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Domestic Secrets
Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander have been friends for more than a decade. Despite their differences-down-to-earth Rachel owns a local hair salon; Ariel is a vivacious former TV star determined to hold on to her looks-they've helped each other navigate single motherhood, banding together against the soccer moms of Timbergrove, Oregon. Yet lately, Rachel wonders about Ariel's increasingly erratic parenting and her clandestine love life. And Rachel can't reveal to anyone, even Ariel, how much she worries about her sullen, distant, younger son. When an unthinkable tragedy separates the two families, Rachel desperately tries to understand what went wrong. But as her assumptions are ripped away one by one, she must confront shattering revelations about the people she trusted and the suburban world that once seemed so safe. Rosalind Noonan explores both the bonds and the gulfs that exist between parents and children, friends and neighbors, in a suspenseful novel that is honest, intelligent, and thought provoking. Praise for Rosalind Noonan's And Then She Was Gone "Noonan writes another gripping family story that handles sensitive issues with grace. The timely plot will hold readers in its sway." --Booklist "Rosalind Noonan has done an excellent job tackling this difficult topic...The story is both sad and uplifting, an offering of hope that will remain in the forefront of your mind long after you finish the last chapter." --San Francisco Book Review
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
46 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Noonan
36 books161 followersROSALIND NOONAN grew up in suburban Maryland and enjoyed being part of a large family. "With my four siblings, Saturday mornings were a blast," she says. "There was festival seating on the living room floor as we devoured cartoons and passed the Sugar Pops."
She caught the writing bug in second grade when she won first place in a poetry contest. "The prize was twenty dollars," she recalls. "That was big bucks for a second grader. I thought I was going to Disneyland." Wooed by the taste of fame and fortune, she kept writing.
After attending Wagner College in Staten Island, she remained in New York City where she worked as an editor for various book publishers. Noonan currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a retired cop from the NYPD, and two children. Although she sometimes misses the rapid pulse of New York, she enjoys writing in the shade of towering two-hundred year old Douglas fir trees.
She caught the writing bug in second grade when she won first place in a poetry contest. "The prize was twenty dollars," she recalls. "That was big bucks for a second grader. I thought I was going to Disneyland." Wooed by the taste of fame and fortune, she kept writing.
After attending Wagner College in Staten Island, she remained in New York City where she worked as an editor for various book publishers. Noonan currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a retired cop from the NYPD, and two children. Although she sometimes misses the rapid pulse of New York, she enjoys writing in the shade of towering two-hundred year old Douglas fir trees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 17, 2016
I read Rosalind Noonan's previous novel All She Ever Wanted and loved it. When I read the book description for Domestic Secrets I knew I had to read it. I hoped I would enjoy it as much as her previous novel and I was not disappointed.
I did find that it took me a little while to get into the story but once I did, I had a very hard time putting the book down. While there was a lot going on (at times maybe a little too much) I found most of it very interesting and couldn't wait to see where and how it would end.
***Possibly some very mild spoilers***
Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander have been friends for what seems like forever. Now both are trying to navigate their way through single motherhood. Rachel has two teenage sons and owns a successful hair salon but still struggles to keep her head above water financially.
Ariel is a former tv star who is a bit of a Diva, wanting to hang on to her glory days. She has two teenage daughters as well as two younger children. Ariel gives private voice lessons. As she receives a lot of referrals from the local High School Glee Club she's kept pretty busy.
Rachel is often more of a mother than a friend to Ariel, always trying to keep her focused and on track. She also finds she seems to worry about Ariel's children more than Ariel does. In many ways if circumstances hadn't brought them together you wouldn't think they would become friends. Rachel does everything for her kids, putting them first while Ariel seems to most often put herself first.
The story is told from three points of view, Rachel, Ariel and Ariel's oldest daughter Cassie.
Rachel's son KJ, is in university playing football on a scholarship. However, after frequent injuries he's in danger of not being able to play anymore which puts his scholarship in jeopardy. Rachel has no idea how they will pay for tuition if he no longer has a scholarship. Her younger son, Jared doesn't communicate with her as much as she wishes he would. Lacking in self-confidence, he has had a tough time over the years with frequent bullying incidents. However, lately things seem to be improving. He's even seems happier than normal lately and she suspects he may have a girlfriend.
When Ariel looks in the mirror she wants to see the beautiful young woman she once was. However, Ariel feels she's one movie or tv role away from making it big again. Self absorbed and narcissistic, she finds that male attention is the only thing that makes her feel better about herself. Often more worried about herself than her children, Ariel tries to fill the emptiness within her with meaningless sex.
Ariel's daughter eighteen year-old Cassie is happiest when she is away at college studying to be a nurse. She constantly butts heads with her mother. Cassie tries to hold her mother accountable for her actions. She tries to make Ariel step up and take better care of her children. She is often worried about her siblings and thanks god for her mother's best friend, Rachel as she's always there to help out when needed. Ariel thinks her daughter is just a negative "stick in the mud."
Then a horrible tragedy pulls apart the families and changes everything. Everyone wonders what went wrong, especially Rachel. She is completely devastated and it changes everything she thought she knew. She realizes just how much she didn't know about anyone, especially those closest to her.
The character development was fantastic. The author's descriptions were very realistic. She seems to have a good handle on describing not only adult friendships and relationships but also the relationships of teenagers both with each other and adults.
We know that there are many things that go on behind closed doors and none of us are perfect but sometimes you are definitely surprised at what goes on in someone's life. Especially when you thought you knew them so well.
"Sometimes people do terrible things. And I'll let you in on a secret. Even when you know the reason why they did it, you don't feel any better."
This was an emotional read that really made me think about so many different things. Things like nature vs. nurture, bullying, abuse, mental illness, addiction, and secrets. I like books that make me think (even though I sometimes get so mad I want to throw my book or kindle). We all have secrets and no family is perfect. But I think we all hope to get through life relatively unscathed.
This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. I was livid with many of the characters actions comments, and decisions and I was heartbroken at the way things worked out.
While this may not be action packed thriller, it's just one of those books that's going to stay with me. I don't really know how to explain it. I even figured out part of what was going to happen early on but I didn't care, I was engrossed in what was happening and in the characters. I was still surprised in many ways.
I don't know if this book is for everyone but I want everyone to read it. It has many important elements, things that are so relevant to what's happening in our families, the families of people we know, and our children's lives.
I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Rosalind Noonan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I did find that it took me a little while to get into the story but once I did, I had a very hard time putting the book down. While there was a lot going on (at times maybe a little too much) I found most of it very interesting and couldn't wait to see where and how it would end.
***Possibly some very mild spoilers***
Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander have been friends for what seems like forever. Now both are trying to navigate their way through single motherhood. Rachel has two teenage sons and owns a successful hair salon but still struggles to keep her head above water financially.
Ariel is a former tv star who is a bit of a Diva, wanting to hang on to her glory days. She has two teenage daughters as well as two younger children. Ariel gives private voice lessons. As she receives a lot of referrals from the local High School Glee Club she's kept pretty busy.
Rachel is often more of a mother than a friend to Ariel, always trying to keep her focused and on track. She also finds she seems to worry about Ariel's children more than Ariel does. In many ways if circumstances hadn't brought them together you wouldn't think they would become friends. Rachel does everything for her kids, putting them first while Ariel seems to most often put herself first.
The story is told from three points of view, Rachel, Ariel and Ariel's oldest daughter Cassie.
Rachel's son KJ, is in university playing football on a scholarship. However, after frequent injuries he's in danger of not being able to play anymore which puts his scholarship in jeopardy. Rachel has no idea how they will pay for tuition if he no longer has a scholarship. Her younger son, Jared doesn't communicate with her as much as she wishes he would. Lacking in self-confidence, he has had a tough time over the years with frequent bullying incidents. However, lately things seem to be improving. He's even seems happier than normal lately and she suspects he may have a girlfriend.
When Ariel looks in the mirror she wants to see the beautiful young woman she once was. However, Ariel feels she's one movie or tv role away from making it big again. Self absorbed and narcissistic, she finds that male attention is the only thing that makes her feel better about herself. Often more worried about herself than her children, Ariel tries to fill the emptiness within her with meaningless sex.
Ariel's daughter eighteen year-old Cassie is happiest when she is away at college studying to be a nurse. She constantly butts heads with her mother. Cassie tries to hold her mother accountable for her actions. She tries to make Ariel step up and take better care of her children. She is often worried about her siblings and thanks god for her mother's best friend, Rachel as she's always there to help out when needed. Ariel thinks her daughter is just a negative "stick in the mud."
Then a horrible tragedy pulls apart the families and changes everything. Everyone wonders what went wrong, especially Rachel. She is completely devastated and it changes everything she thought she knew. She realizes just how much she didn't know about anyone, especially those closest to her.
The character development was fantastic. The author's descriptions were very realistic. She seems to have a good handle on describing not only adult friendships and relationships but also the relationships of teenagers both with each other and adults.
We know that there are many things that go on behind closed doors and none of us are perfect but sometimes you are definitely surprised at what goes on in someone's life. Especially when you thought you knew them so well.
"Sometimes people do terrible things. And I'll let you in on a secret. Even when you know the reason why they did it, you don't feel any better."
This was an emotional read that really made me think about so many different things. Things like nature vs. nurture, bullying, abuse, mental illness, addiction, and secrets. I like books that make me think (even though I sometimes get so mad I want to throw my book or kindle). We all have secrets and no family is perfect. But I think we all hope to get through life relatively unscathed.
This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. I was livid with many of the characters actions comments, and decisions and I was heartbroken at the way things worked out.
While this may not be action packed thriller, it's just one of those books that's going to stay with me. I don't really know how to explain it. I even figured out part of what was going to happen early on but I didn't care, I was engrossed in what was happening and in the characters. I was still surprised in many ways.
I don't know if this book is for everyone but I want everyone to read it. It has many important elements, things that are so relevant to what's happening in our families, the families of people we know, and our children's lives.
I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Rosalind Noonan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2016
Sex, lies and videotapes (not the same as the movie) could have been the title for this book, but it is more about the secrets we keep, depravation, teenage angst, the complexity of relationships within families, mental illness and or child abuse and neglect and the decisions we make.
When I first started this book, I thought chic lit, great, I like chic lit, but then so much more begins to happen and the lightness of the chic lit is all but gone. Suddenly things are serious and the result of so many past behaviors concerning a bunch of people are pulled together into the consequences of all of their actions. How did we get here? Please tell me...., fill in the blanks, I must know how things got to this.
Two long time friends, over 15 years, Rachel and Ariel. Rachel the girl next door, mom of two boys, KJ and Jared, she owns a local hair salon. Ariel her friend use to be an actress but is now a voice coach, mother of four children, Cassie, Remy and two younger children. They are living in suburbia and Ariel is bored and desperate for a life outside of her children and the suburban people, whereas Rachel is fairly content with her life and where she lives. However things are not what they seem. Cassie is in college and is always at odds with her mother Ariel about how she is parenting. Rachel is at her wits end with both of her boys, KJ dealing with a head injury from playing football wonders what he life will be like if he can't play ball and her other son Jared has suffered trying to fit in with the kids, he doesn't play football, doesn't have any talent for sports, but appears to have finally found his niche in acting in the school play. Ariel's other daughter Remy is in high school, popular and beautiful and everyone likes her and even her mother favors her over Cassie.
I can't say much more without giving away the story itself, but I found this book to be most interesting concerning relationships within society, within suburban neighborhoods, within friendships and families. Do you really ever know anyone? All families have some secrets, but some families have more secrets than others and those secrets go way beyond just being secrets. Who are your neighbors? Who are your children's friends and acquaintances? Who are your friends, really?
This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review. I debated between giving this book 4 or 5 stars, but when I think of all the subjects covered and the simple depths of the issues within and how the author delivered them and dealt with them I think 5 stars is accurate. The only reason for 4 stars would be the fun chick lit beginning. The book cover artwork is gorgeous!
When I first started this book, I thought chic lit, great, I like chic lit, but then so much more begins to happen and the lightness of the chic lit is all but gone. Suddenly things are serious and the result of so many past behaviors concerning a bunch of people are pulled together into the consequences of all of their actions. How did we get here? Please tell me...., fill in the blanks, I must know how things got to this.
Two long time friends, over 15 years, Rachel and Ariel. Rachel the girl next door, mom of two boys, KJ and Jared, she owns a local hair salon. Ariel her friend use to be an actress but is now a voice coach, mother of four children, Cassie, Remy and two younger children. They are living in suburbia and Ariel is bored and desperate for a life outside of her children and the suburban people, whereas Rachel is fairly content with her life and where she lives. However things are not what they seem. Cassie is in college and is always at odds with her mother Ariel about how she is parenting. Rachel is at her wits end with both of her boys, KJ dealing with a head injury from playing football wonders what he life will be like if he can't play ball and her other son Jared has suffered trying to fit in with the kids, he doesn't play football, doesn't have any talent for sports, but appears to have finally found his niche in acting in the school play. Ariel's other daughter Remy is in high school, popular and beautiful and everyone likes her and even her mother favors her over Cassie.
I can't say much more without giving away the story itself, but I found this book to be most interesting concerning relationships within society, within suburban neighborhoods, within friendships and families. Do you really ever know anyone? All families have some secrets, but some families have more secrets than others and those secrets go way beyond just being secrets. Who are your neighbors? Who are your children's friends and acquaintances? Who are your friends, really?
This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review. I debated between giving this book 4 or 5 stars, but when I think of all the subjects covered and the simple depths of the issues within and how the author delivered them and dealt with them I think 5 stars is accurate. The only reason for 4 stars would be the fun chick lit beginning. The book cover artwork is gorgeous!
February 1, 2016
Every little town or big town has it's secrets. Some are well known, some are not. Even households have secrets that the towns don't know about, whether they are big or small, rich or poor. There are secrets everywhere. This book begins with secrets. Small secrets that most people know about. Sometime in the middle of the book a large secret starts to form. You don't understand the depth of it until later on in the book. You don't even know how or when it started to develop. It's pieces thrown here and there that slowly begin to develop and as a reader you pick up on them slowly. Some pieces have your mind going elsewhere thinking there is a sexual orientation problem or something going on here.
Even when the biggest piece of the puzzle is shown, you still don't understand what's going on or how this could be happening. This is not in character, this is not how this couple acts. What's going on here? No way could this have happened. I read this part three times, I was dumbfounded. How could this have happened?
Then Rosalind Noonan gives us more pieces of this puzzle and slowly the big picture comes into focus. And, we see it. We see how it could happen. Kudos to Rosalind Noonan for such a GREAT story. I was just reading along and then BAM, I definitely was not expecting what happened. I'm not giving any spoilers on this one. This one literally took me by surprise and I loved it. Great writing, I just could not put this down and the character development, I actually felt so many emotions for several of these characters, especially Cassie.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. It was entertaining, enjoyable, up and down the emotional spectrum and a fantastic read!
Even when the biggest piece of the puzzle is shown, you still don't understand what's going on or how this could be happening. This is not in character, this is not how this couple acts. What's going on here? No way could this have happened. I read this part three times, I was dumbfounded. How could this have happened?
Then Rosalind Noonan gives us more pieces of this puzzle and slowly the big picture comes into focus. And, we see it. We see how it could happen. Kudos to Rosalind Noonan for such a GREAT story. I was just reading along and then BAM, I definitely was not expecting what happened. I'm not giving any spoilers on this one. This one literally took me by surprise and I loved it. Great writing, I just could not put this down and the character development, I actually felt so many emotions for several of these characters, especially Cassie.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. It was entertaining, enjoyable, up and down the emotional spectrum and a fantastic read!
March 6, 2016
An intricate story of how secrets can get all intertwined & the turmoil that comes with it!
February 8, 2016
This went places I didn't expect. I thought, " well some of these people are obnoxious- this is why people leave towns they grew up in". At times there was too much going on, and not everything added up but that can happen to the best of writers with so many characters. I prefer to stick with one character through most novels unless everything flows smoothly and I don't find myself looking back and thinking 'wait, that's not what you said in the last chapter.'
There are many Ariel type of people in life, though not everyone believes this to be true. The rest of us have had the misfortune to know selfish mothers, they do exist! Not all women are nurturing and honest. Rachael is the one we're all supposed to adore, she is the 'mother' of all. I didn't find myself loving anyone. I wonder how differently I would have felt if the story was entirely from her perspective. I have this thing where I don't want my characters to be one dimensional. The bad one, the good one- life isn't that simple- people aren't complicated because were they always one way, then how easily we could avoid misery and find joy.
The interactions with the teenagers are spot on, and the emotions they feel. Not everything that happened is plausible but it's fiction. Dynamics between the parents certainly feed the relationships between the children, that's often the case and the reason why kids can be horrible to each other. They pick up on cues from the adults in their lives. It began as a simple story and went nuts, I got to the end and thought 'wow, I didn't see this novel heading here!"
Strange, messy, gross (because Ariel and her urges and sexual appetite just turned my stomach) full of sins and secrets- look around your neighborhood, hmmmm...
There are many Ariel type of people in life, though not everyone believes this to be true. The rest of us have had the misfortune to know selfish mothers, they do exist! Not all women are nurturing and honest. Rachael is the one we're all supposed to adore, she is the 'mother' of all. I didn't find myself loving anyone. I wonder how differently I would have felt if the story was entirely from her perspective. I have this thing where I don't want my characters to be one dimensional. The bad one, the good one- life isn't that simple- people aren't complicated because were they always one way, then how easily we could avoid misery and find joy.
The interactions with the teenagers are spot on, and the emotions they feel. Not everything that happened is plausible but it's fiction. Dynamics between the parents certainly feed the relationships between the children, that's often the case and the reason why kids can be horrible to each other. They pick up on cues from the adults in their lives. It began as a simple story and went nuts, I got to the end and thought 'wow, I didn't see this novel heading here!"
Strange, messy, gross (because Ariel and her urges and sexual appetite just turned my stomach) full of sins and secrets- look around your neighborhood, hmmmm...
February 25, 2016
Kensington Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Long time friends Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander are both trying to make ends meet as single mom with 6 kids between them. As a modestly successful hair salon owner, Rachel feels the need to keep Ariel on track, as her floundering television career gives her the time to work as a private vocal coach. When tragedy strikes, their friendship is tested in ways that neither of them expected.
For a good portion of the book, I was certain that I knew how the author was going to remove the veil on all of the vague references and allow the reader to see the true picture. However, the plot twist in the last third of the book floored me and definitely elevated this book from its not so memorable existence. This twist creates some problems with regards to the flow of the book, however. Domestic Secrets suffers mostly from too many ideas and would be much better if some of the side plots were removed. The author tackles two very big social issues, but does not give equal measure to each of them. The result is that the second issue seems like an afterthought, with not enough background to fill in the details. Some of the emotional outbursts seem forced and take away from the story as a whole. I am on the fence with Domestic Secrets, as it was truly middle of the road for me.
Long time friends Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander are both trying to make ends meet as single mom with 6 kids between them. As a modestly successful hair salon owner, Rachel feels the need to keep Ariel on track, as her floundering television career gives her the time to work as a private vocal coach. When tragedy strikes, their friendship is tested in ways that neither of them expected.
For a good portion of the book, I was certain that I knew how the author was going to remove the veil on all of the vague references and allow the reader to see the true picture. However, the plot twist in the last third of the book floored me and definitely elevated this book from its not so memorable existence. This twist creates some problems with regards to the flow of the book, however. Domestic Secrets suffers mostly from too many ideas and would be much better if some of the side plots were removed. The author tackles two very big social issues, but does not give equal measure to each of them. The result is that the second issue seems like an afterthought, with not enough background to fill in the details. Some of the emotional outbursts seem forced and take away from the story as a whole. I am on the fence with Domestic Secrets, as it was truly middle of the road for me.
January 18, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley.com and to the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
While it takes a while for the story to get going, once it did I found that I couldn’t put the book down. Everything slowly came together – the unbalanced, long term friendship; pressures of high school and young love; acting on impulse and desire – in such a way that it made for a disturbing, yet great, tale.
What I loved: Still a sucker for the multiple point of view novel – I loved how the story moved from Rachel, Ariel and Cassie’s points of view. Not only did it build suspense but it provided interesting personal aspects of the story for each character.
What I didn’t love: Ariel – she’s shallow, narcissistic, addicted, immature, and selfish. She’s the type of parent you look at and think to yourself, “She should have had her tubes tied at birth.”
What I learned: You never know what really goes on behind closed doors.
Overall Grade: B+
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September 29, 2016
I'd give it 2.5
I almost gave up on this book. It was becoming rather boring. Two women who had become best friends, both lost their husbands, had kids who grew up together, blah, blah, blah. I even went as far as checking other people's reviews of the book in order to figure out if it was worth reading onward. They all praised the book, telling that something tragic was going to happen. So on I went and sure enough, almost 2/3 of the way through the book, a tragic event does occur.
From then on, the book moves quickly.
However, regardless of how tragic this was, I also found it rather far-fetched. If there are people out there like many of the ones in this book, then my life is REALLY boring. I suppose it was the one mother, who was so into herself and sex that disappointed me. Yet, this was one of the major reasons for the catastrophe.
I almost gave up on this book. It was becoming rather boring. Two women who had become best friends, both lost their husbands, had kids who grew up together, blah, blah, blah. I even went as far as checking other people's reviews of the book in order to figure out if it was worth reading onward. They all praised the book, telling that something tragic was going to happen. So on I went and sure enough, almost 2/3 of the way through the book, a tragic event does occur.
From then on, the book moves quickly.
However, regardless of how tragic this was, I also found it rather far-fetched. If there are people out there like many of the ones in this book, then my life is REALLY boring. I suppose it was the one mother, who was so into herself and sex that disappointed me. Yet, this was one of the major reasons for the catastrophe.
January 18, 2016
I was given an ARC of Domestic Secrets for an honest review and this is my review.
I had mixed feelings about this book and I really was not sure how I wanted to rate it. The book was very good but the characters really made me annoyed because Ariel was a self centered witch who should not been allowed to have or be near children and Rachel was a mother that tried too dang hard she missed everything in front of her because she was too busy trying to make everything perfect for her kids.
I can't get into the plot for spoiler reasons but this book really looks into what happens behind closed doors and what can go wrong in a heartbeat if things are being covered up.
I am giving Domestic Secrets four out of five stars even if I really wanted to slap some sense into both Ariel and Rachel.
I had mixed feelings about this book and I really was not sure how I wanted to rate it. The book was very good but the characters really made me annoyed because Ariel was a self centered witch who should not been allowed to have or be near children and Rachel was a mother that tried too dang hard she missed everything in front of her because she was too busy trying to make everything perfect for her kids.
I can't get into the plot for spoiler reasons but this book really looks into what happens behind closed doors and what can go wrong in a heartbeat if things are being covered up.
I am giving Domestic Secrets four out of five stars even if I really wanted to slap some sense into both Ariel and Rachel.
April 17, 2018
The plot in this book was entirely unrealistic. It was unbelievable that no one would find out about Ariel's sexual endeavors with the boys, but also that Rachel never made Jared say who his girlfriend was. In addition, Ariel was made so unlikeable with no redeeming qualities. A "villain" character should be three dimensional with likeable qualities, along with their flaws. She should have been sent to jail for her crimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book fromnNetgalley in exchange for my honest review. Reading the description of this book I new something devastating was going to happen but I really was shocked! This book was done very well and kept me tearing through the pages until the very end! I highly recommend this book, it was well worth the read!
April 3, 2018
Domestic Secrets by [Noonan, Rosalind]Rachel owns the local hair salon. she serves many of the women in Timbergrove, Oregon. Her friend, Ariel Alexander, used to be a television star. Together they have helped each other through the adventures of single motherhood.
Lately, however, it seems to Rachel that Ariel's parenting skills have been slipping and she has a secret love. In addition to worrying about Ariel, Rachel also has a son who has become distant. The two families are torn apart by an event that Rachel has a hard time understanding. This leads her to discover other things about those she has trusted in the town.
I was taken in by the way the book explores things that tie people together and the things that can separate them. I had a little discomfort with how honest the writing was, but this is a personal feeling. Overall, I feel like Rosalind Noonan wrote a book which will leave the reader satisfied in choosing this book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Lately, however, it seems to Rachel that Ariel's parenting skills have been slipping and she has a secret love. In addition to worrying about Ariel, Rachel also has a son who has become distant. The two families are torn apart by an event that Rachel has a hard time understanding. This leads her to discover other things about those she has trusted in the town.
I was taken in by the way the book explores things that tie people together and the things that can separate them. I had a little discomfort with how honest the writing was, but this is a personal feeling. Overall, I feel like Rosalind Noonan wrote a book which will leave the reader satisfied in choosing this book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2019
Well written, pretty predictable ending. Well, I should say or try to say without giving away, that the “dramatized character lynchpin “ is easily figured. There is quite the climatic shove about 85% through the book. I’m sorry to say it’s drab and draggy until that point.
But again, the author is a great story teller..... once the story starts. But constant flashbacks and the references to our secret character as only “ him” for so long makes it hard to press on. But stick with it... you’ll get a great story if you make it through the muck.
But again, the author is a great story teller..... once the story starts. But constant flashbacks and the references to our secret character as only “ him” for so long makes it hard to press on. But stick with it... you’ll get a great story if you make it through the muck.
June 14, 2018
Just finished Domestic Secrets and I have to say, I thought I knew how the story was going to go and caught myself early on predicting this or that, but I was totally wrong!
Domestic thrillers are very popular right now and Domestic Secrets did not disappoint!
It was easy to read (but in no way shallow) and I enjoyed the character development and storyline.
I look forward to reading And Then She Was Gone next!
Domestic thrillers are very popular right now and Domestic Secrets did not disappoint!
It was easy to read (but in no way shallow) and I enjoyed the character development and storyline.
I look forward to reading And Then She Was Gone next!
July 4, 2019
At first I was not sure I was going to like this book. It was very slow moving. I am glad I stuck with it, because I could not put it down , This is s story of two families and how the secrets they had destroyed them. It is a story that makes you think and one that everyone can relate to. I would recommend this book. My advice is stick with it. Takes awhile to move, but once it does you are hooked. Can’t wait to read more from this Author
August 14, 2019
First read of Rosalind Noonan, and I can honestly say I was greatly "awed" by the writing in this book. The story was both engaging, and realistic. And had a great balance of nerve-wrenching and tear jerking moments, topped with the chuckle here and there. All in all, I give this book a 4.5/5. 👏📚👏📚👏 Can't wait to read another one of Noonan's books.
May 16, 2017
Not what I expected
This book started off slowly for me. I was more than halfway through before I finally felt engaged with the characters and the story. Lots of surprises. Despite the heavy subject matter, at times, it felt a bit like fluff.
This book started off slowly for me. I was more than halfway through before I finally felt engaged with the characters and the story. Lots of surprises. Despite the heavy subject matter, at times, it felt a bit like fluff.
September 9, 2017
Domestic secrets
This was a very good read regarding the secrets of families which cause so many psychological problems to children s they grow up and unresolved guilt. I do recommend it highly
This was a very good read regarding the secrets of families which cause so many psychological problems to children s they grow up and unresolved guilt. I do recommend it highly
April 24, 2018
I did read this book, but I did not like it very much. The plot was too convoluted for me. I will say that the author's writing style is good; her sentences flow so that readers can read quickly. I just didn't feel that some of the incidents in the story were plausible.
August 25, 2018
It’s definitely a chick lit book, which made me wonder about finishing it. Thankfully it got better! Once the characters were fleshed out a bit, it was a good read. Ariel was a messed up woman. It reminded me of “19 minutes” by Jodi Picault, which impressed me more than this one.
February 19, 2021
A dark, intense story of two families and dark secrets that impact their lives and the hidden side of a small suburban town. The mothers have been friends for 15 years but there is a raw undercurrent in the friendship that is exposed when tragedy strikes.
Want to read
December 27, 2022I found the main characters interesting, but the slow pace at the start and some of the focus on minor characters was off-putting. Perhaps American readers would enjoy Domestic Secrets more, but it just wasn’t for me.
June 1, 2017
I found the subject matter disgusting.
Read
May 13, 2021This book got way too creepy for me. DNF.
February 28, 2022
Teachers who abuse their students are the worse of the worst.
July 31, 2018
Interesting characters. Somewhat predictable, but definitely kept my attention all the way until the end.
February 3, 2016
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced Kindle edition of this book in exchange for an honest review** 2 1/2 Stars
Rachel and Ariel have been friends for years. Their older children have grown up together and they have helped each other get through tragedies and triumphs. Rachel owns a local hair salon and Ariel is a former TV actress who is now a voice coach for the town's high school students. When an unexplainable and unthinkable event occurs they are forced to rethink their friendship and the whole town is thrown into turmoil.
I had a difficult time getting through this book. There were too many things that I couldn't believe. I couldn't stand Ariel. She was self centered, egotistical, and not a very good mother. I had no sympathy for her and couldn't believe the way she acted in almost every situation. Rachel was a little more likable, but not really. I couldn't put my finger on it but I had a hard time connecting with any character in the book. I couldn't believe the way Ariel looked at and spoke to Cassie, it was infuriating. The way she acted during the courtroom appearance disgusted me. Dressed to the nines and with dark netting covering her face. Obviously trying to make this all about her. The book even mentioned her knowing how to make an exit since she was an actress.
There were also several things which I thought were very unlikely. The violent scene in the book was the first thing. Rachel's son Jared was supposedly attempting a sales pitch in school with his super sharp knife set. No school would ever allow a student to bring a knife set to school. Even if he did have the knife set with him, he wouldn't be walking around holding one of the knives during the encounter. They would be packed away in the kit. It would have been more believable if he had just brought a random knife in from home.
Ariel was addicted to sex. Ok. Never in a million years do I think she would meet a student during a school show in the basement of the school. I just can't see that happening no matter how desperate she is.
Ariel also mentioned a couple times how she was a one man woman and only slept with one at a time. Then the book goes on to talk about about her sleeping with Graham and Jared during the same time period.
Rachel was in such denial about Jared being arrested, she was acting like he was being accused of shoplifting instead of a brutal murder. She joked to her other son KJ to remind her to ground him when this is all over. Ground him? Really? He confessed to murdering your best friend's daughter.
When Remy's friends come to her house they start going through her laptop. In a murder investigation the police would have confiscated that. They took her cell phone and there is no way they wouldn't have taken her laptop too. Her folder labeled "secrets" was a little much. That's like writing Do Not Read Me on the cover of your journal and then leaving it out in the open for anyone to see.
When the cop is questioning Ariel she gets annoyed by him and at one point thinks to herself "he'll never be my boyfriend". Enough already.
When Jared commits suicide a police officer breaks the news to her on the phone. She is dating the Sheriff in town. I would expect him to deliver that type of news to her in person and not have some random cop she doesn't know call her on the phone.
There was a lot of potential in this book, there were just too many little things that added up and left me questioning a lot of the plot.
Rachel and Ariel have been friends for years. Their older children have grown up together and they have helped each other get through tragedies and triumphs. Rachel owns a local hair salon and Ariel is a former TV actress who is now a voice coach for the town's high school students. When an unexplainable and unthinkable event occurs they are forced to rethink their friendship and the whole town is thrown into turmoil.
I had a difficult time getting through this book. There were too many things that I couldn't believe. I couldn't stand Ariel. She was self centered, egotistical, and not a very good mother. I had no sympathy for her and couldn't believe the way she acted in almost every situation. Rachel was a little more likable, but not really. I couldn't put my finger on it but I had a hard time connecting with any character in the book. I couldn't believe the way Ariel looked at and spoke to Cassie, it was infuriating. The way she acted during the courtroom appearance disgusted me. Dressed to the nines and with dark netting covering her face. Obviously trying to make this all about her. The book even mentioned her knowing how to make an exit since she was an actress.
There were also several things which I thought were very unlikely. The violent scene in the book was the first thing. Rachel's son Jared was supposedly attempting a sales pitch in school with his super sharp knife set. No school would ever allow a student to bring a knife set to school. Even if he did have the knife set with him, he wouldn't be walking around holding one of the knives during the encounter. They would be packed away in the kit. It would have been more believable if he had just brought a random knife in from home.
Ariel was addicted to sex. Ok. Never in a million years do I think she would meet a student during a school show in the basement of the school. I just can't see that happening no matter how desperate she is.
Ariel also mentioned a couple times how she was a one man woman and only slept with one at a time. Then the book goes on to talk about about her sleeping with Graham and Jared during the same time period.
Rachel was in such denial about Jared being arrested, she was acting like he was being accused of shoplifting instead of a brutal murder. She joked to her other son KJ to remind her to ground him when this is all over. Ground him? Really? He confessed to murdering your best friend's daughter.
When Remy's friends come to her house they start going through her laptop. In a murder investigation the police would have confiscated that. They took her cell phone and there is no way they wouldn't have taken her laptop too. Her folder labeled "secrets" was a little much. That's like writing Do Not Read Me on the cover of your journal and then leaving it out in the open for anyone to see.
When the cop is questioning Ariel she gets annoyed by him and at one point thinks to herself "he'll never be my boyfriend". Enough already.
When Jared commits suicide a police officer breaks the news to her on the phone. She is dating the Sheriff in town. I would expect him to deliver that type of news to her in person and not have some random cop she doesn't know call her on the phone.
There was a lot of potential in this book, there were just too many little things that added up and left me questioning a lot of the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2016
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this free readers edition. In exchange I am providing an honest review.
What a...disturbing...story.
Rachel and Ariel met as single moms, stuck with each other through marriages that ended with them as widows, and still walk through life as single moms. They are different as night and day but somehow they have always been friends. Ariel is the local vocal coach for any kid in town, especially the ones in the High School Glee Club. Rachel is the local hair salon owner. They both have seniors in High School, among the other kids, and spring is a busy season for them. The Spring Showcase is coming up as is Prom. Ariel has recently ended a relationship that was unhealthy but is seeing someone new. She won't tell Rachel who though and as time goes on Rachel gets more and more concerned because it seems Ariel might not be in a relationship that is acceptable. But who could it be? As time goes on and Rachel watches Ariel at Spring Showcase rehearsals she begins to wonder things that she shouldn't be wondering about her friend. Trying to dismiss these thoughts she is finally forced to face them when a tragic event happens involving both of their seniors. And as always happens, what was attempting to hide in the dark is eventually exposed by the light.
Noonan's story isn't unrealistic. It combines a lot of actual events into one story. It's still disturbing on a few levels. Ariel is disturbing on many levels. I don't know if I liked the book or not. It was a story I couldn't put down though. Once I started it I had to finish it because it kept me wondering and I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything else done or sleep until my wonderings had been answered. For the readability alone it gets praise from me. Noonan hooked the reader from the beginning and didn't let them go until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this free readers edition. In exchange I am providing an honest review.
What a...disturbing...story.
Rachel and Ariel met as single moms, stuck with each other through marriages that ended with them as widows, and still walk through life as single moms. They are different as night and day but somehow they have always been friends. Ariel is the local vocal coach for any kid in town, especially the ones in the High School Glee Club. Rachel is the local hair salon owner. They both have seniors in High School, among the other kids, and spring is a busy season for them. The Spring Showcase is coming up as is Prom. Ariel has recently ended a relationship that was unhealthy but is seeing someone new. She won't tell Rachel who though and as time goes on Rachel gets more and more concerned because it seems Ariel might not be in a relationship that is acceptable. But who could it be? As time goes on and Rachel watches Ariel at Spring Showcase rehearsals she begins to wonder things that she shouldn't be wondering about her friend. Trying to dismiss these thoughts she is finally forced to face them when a tragic event happens involving both of their seniors. And as always happens, what was attempting to hide in the dark is eventually exposed by the light.
Noonan's story isn't unrealistic. It combines a lot of actual events into one story. It's still disturbing on a few levels. Ariel is disturbing on many levels. I don't know if I liked the book or not. It was a story I couldn't put down though. Once I started it I had to finish it because it kept me wondering and I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything else done or sleep until my wonderings had been answered. For the readability alone it gets praise from me. Noonan hooked the reader from the beginning and didn't let them go until the end.
March 5, 2016
Original Post: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Women's Fiction is quickly becoming one of my go-to reading options. Rosalind Noonan's "Domestic Secrets" drew me in from the homey feeling of the cover to the intriguing, dramatic synopsis of the story. A few things made me bring my rating down, but for the most part this was a fantastic read.
I want to start out by saying Noonan has a great writing style. She's descriptive without being overly so. There is just enough visual assistance to help guide me to put a face with the characters, an image with the street, or a feeling of the room they were in. I find sometimes the visuals are left on the wayside for writers as they want the plot line to be the focal point, but the scene is equally as important. In this case, Noonan nailed it.
The story follows Rachel and Ariel, two single moms forging ahead after to bad marriages, followed by two dead husbands, and now raising teenagers and young children alone. The only support is each other. Polar opposites on parenting styles and personality types... Rachel is the perfect small town mom, while Ariel dreams of the big lights of Hollywood again and merely copes with being the local vocal teacher for the Gleetime kids.
My only major issue with this book was the synopsis spoke of a big tragedy tearing these two families apart, yet it was barely shy of two-thirds through the book when the big tragedy took place. A huge shock, yes. But as the main point in the synopsis, I felt it should have happened way sooner in the book. When I read the back of a book to see what it's about, I expect that to be a large portion of a book. Not just 1/3 of it. Following that and the fact that there was roughly only thirty five percent of the book left, I felt the really good part was rushed. Had the big moment happened sooner, I could have easily give "Domestic Secrets" a four... possibly even a five... star rating. Once that big moment happened I was glued to the book. I had to finish. I read the rest of the book in an hour. The first half of the book was great. Don't get me wrong. Knowing what I know now, though, the first part definitely could have been trimmed of fluff to allow more time for the climax and that portion to play out more. To sum it up, in my opinion, the balance was off.
Good news though! While I had suspicions about what was happening, I definitely had not guessed what the big tragedy was going to be. So hats off to Noonan for surprising me. With my love for crime and suspense books, that can be hard to do! I loved some of the characters and truly despised others. I cried at times (another hard thing to make happen) and laughed at others. Noonan has no problem drawing emotions from the reader.
I will definitely be reading her next work when it comes out. I recommend this for anyone. It is not just women's fiction. It has drama and suspense tangled in with it as well. I mean... we are talking domestic bliss here. What could be more dramatic and suspensful? A great job by Noonan. I really want to give more stars, but the focal point of the book happening so late in the book threw me off a bit. Three very solid stars for Noonan.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Women's Fiction is quickly becoming one of my go-to reading options. Rosalind Noonan's "Domestic Secrets" drew me in from the homey feeling of the cover to the intriguing, dramatic synopsis of the story. A few things made me bring my rating down, but for the most part this was a fantastic read.
I want to start out by saying Noonan has a great writing style. She's descriptive without being overly so. There is just enough visual assistance to help guide me to put a face with the characters, an image with the street, or a feeling of the room they were in. I find sometimes the visuals are left on the wayside for writers as they want the plot line to be the focal point, but the scene is equally as important. In this case, Noonan nailed it.
The story follows Rachel and Ariel, two single moms forging ahead after to bad marriages, followed by two dead husbands, and now raising teenagers and young children alone. The only support is each other. Polar opposites on parenting styles and personality types... Rachel is the perfect small town mom, while Ariel dreams of the big lights of Hollywood again and merely copes with being the local vocal teacher for the Gleetime kids.
My only major issue with this book was the synopsis spoke of a big tragedy tearing these two families apart, yet it was barely shy of two-thirds through the book when the big tragedy took place. A huge shock, yes. But as the main point in the synopsis, I felt it should have happened way sooner in the book. When I read the back of a book to see what it's about, I expect that to be a large portion of a book. Not just 1/3 of it. Following that and the fact that there was roughly only thirty five percent of the book left, I felt the really good part was rushed. Had the big moment happened sooner, I could have easily give "Domestic Secrets" a four... possibly even a five... star rating. Once that big moment happened I was glued to the book. I had to finish. I read the rest of the book in an hour. The first half of the book was great. Don't get me wrong. Knowing what I know now, though, the first part definitely could have been trimmed of fluff to allow more time for the climax and that portion to play out more. To sum it up, in my opinion, the balance was off.
Good news though! While I had suspicions about what was happening, I definitely had not guessed what the big tragedy was going to be. So hats off to Noonan for surprising me. With my love for crime and suspense books, that can be hard to do! I loved some of the characters and truly despised others. I cried at times (another hard thing to make happen) and laughed at others. Noonan has no problem drawing emotions from the reader.
I will definitely be reading her next work when it comes out. I recommend this for anyone. It is not just women's fiction. It has drama and suspense tangled in with it as well. I mean... we are talking domestic bliss here. What could be more dramatic and suspensful? A great job by Noonan. I really want to give more stars, but the focal point of the book happening so late in the book threw me off a bit. Three very solid stars for Noonan.
March 26, 2024
A mom having sex with teenage boys is just ick
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