What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairham Island #2
The Secrets She Kept
Exciting, emotional, intense. The thrilling follow-up to New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak's highly acclaimed The Secret Sister. The things that happen in families are always surprising and sometimes shocking!
The rich and powerful Josephine Lazarow, matriarch of Fairham Island, is dead. The police say it's suicide, but Keith, her estranged son, doesn't believe it.
Keith bears scars--both physical and emotional--from his childhood, but he's worked hard to overcome the past. After walking away from his mother and her controlling ways five years ago, he's built a new life in LA. He's also accumulated a fortune of his own. But as soon as he learns of his mother's death, he returns to Fairham. He feels he owes it to his grandfather to put the family empire together again--and he's determined to find his mother's killer.
Problem is...coming home to Fairham puts him back in contact with Nancy Dellinger, the woman he hurt so badly when he left before. And digging that deep into his mother's final days and hours entails a very real risk.
Because the person who killed her could be someone he loves...
The rich and powerful Josephine Lazarow, matriarch of Fairham Island, is dead. The police say it's suicide, but Keith, her estranged son, doesn't believe it.
Keith bears scars--both physical and emotional--from his childhood, but he's worked hard to overcome the past. After walking away from his mother and her controlling ways five years ago, he's built a new life in LA. He's also accumulated a fortune of his own. But as soon as he learns of his mother's death, he returns to Fairham. He feels he owes it to his grandfather to put the family empire together again--and he's determined to find his mother's killer.
Problem is...coming home to Fairham puts him back in contact with Nancy Dellinger, the woman he hurt so badly when he left before. And digging that deep into his mother's final days and hours entails a very real risk.
Because the person who killed her could be someone he loves...
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
461 people are currently reading
2520 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,983 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
August 12, 2016
The Secrets She Kept by Brenda Novak is a 2016 Mira publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The sequel to ‘Secret Sister’ is every bit as explosive and absorbing as the first book, and then some.
Five years have passed since the events that took place in the first book and as the story opens, Keith is receiving a phone call from his sister, Maisey, informing him the family matriarch has died. Was it an accident, suicide, or something far more sinister?
Keith must return to Fairham Island to face all the ghosts of his past, put his mother’s affairs and estate in order, and get to the truth about how his mother died, which means he will have to face Nancy again, the woman who runs his mother's flower shop. Keith and Nancy were lovers once, but Keith treated Nancy pretty shabbily, leaving Keith riddled with guilt, and hoping he can make it up to her somehow.
Was Josephine murdered? If so, the suspects are far and wide, and as the investigation heats up, a whole closet full of skeletons comes tumbling out that will shock even the most jaded reader.
It seems Josephine is still causing problems for everyone, even from the grave…
Talk about dark family secrets! This is one mixed up family, with Josephine causing devastation all the way around, torturing people with her selfish acts that have serious and far reaching consequences, and damaged so many lives. I couldn’t believe some of the things this woman did, but it looks like she paid the ultimate price for her actions.
I would have liked for Maisey and Rafe to have had a little bit of a larger role in the story, but this one is all about Keith’s redemption, and his character did indeed improve by leaps and bounds, and it was heartening to see him finally mature, show mental toughness, and find peace and happiness. Heaven knows he deserves it after all his mother put him through.
The murder mystery is very murky, and a little bit shocking, and kept me riveted to the story. I never came close to guessing how everything would turn out in the end!
If you like family sagas, with lots of buried secrets coming to light, as well as a good whodunit mystery and a little spicy romance to cap things off, then you’ve come to the right place.
This type of story is right up my alley, and I enjoyed it immensely!
4.5 stars
The sequel to ‘Secret Sister’ is every bit as explosive and absorbing as the first book, and then some.
Five years have passed since the events that took place in the first book and as the story opens, Keith is receiving a phone call from his sister, Maisey, informing him the family matriarch has died. Was it an accident, suicide, or something far more sinister?
Keith must return to Fairham Island to face all the ghosts of his past, put his mother’s affairs and estate in order, and get to the truth about how his mother died, which means he will have to face Nancy again, the woman who runs his mother's flower shop. Keith and Nancy were lovers once, but Keith treated Nancy pretty shabbily, leaving Keith riddled with guilt, and hoping he can make it up to her somehow.
Was Josephine murdered? If so, the suspects are far and wide, and as the investigation heats up, a whole closet full of skeletons comes tumbling out that will shock even the most jaded reader.
It seems Josephine is still causing problems for everyone, even from the grave…
Talk about dark family secrets! This is one mixed up family, with Josephine causing devastation all the way around, torturing people with her selfish acts that have serious and far reaching consequences, and damaged so many lives. I couldn’t believe some of the things this woman did, but it looks like she paid the ultimate price for her actions.
I would have liked for Maisey and Rafe to have had a little bit of a larger role in the story, but this one is all about Keith’s redemption, and his character did indeed improve by leaps and bounds, and it was heartening to see him finally mature, show mental toughness, and find peace and happiness. Heaven knows he deserves it after all his mother put him through.
The murder mystery is very murky, and a little bit shocking, and kept me riveted to the story. I never came close to guessing how everything would turn out in the end!
If you like family sagas, with lots of buried secrets coming to light, as well as a good whodunit mystery and a little spicy romance to cap things off, then you’ve come to the right place.
This type of story is right up my alley, and I enjoyed it immensely!
4.5 stars
July 29, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been drug free and has become extremely successful as a commercial real estate investor in California. Leaving Fairham Island and his controlling, cruel mother has everything to do with him staying clean. However, when Keith's informed of her death, ruled a suicide, he has to go back to the place that represents lots of personal pain and failure. And, he doesn't buy Josephine killed herself. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with the woman who was his lifeline in those very dark days, Nancy Dellinger.
I thought Josephine's "redemption" at the end of the last book was questionable and a lot is discovered here that confirmed my suspicions. However, she's still a very complicated character and her actions made this an interesting mystery. Even in death she continues to overshadow her children.
I liked Keith's growth and how it was illustrated, not presenting him as cured but a continuing work in progress. His relationship, however, was disappointing as I never sensed the empathy I would have expected. But, I think he was authentically portrayed. Nancy's weakness in not being able to resist him was also realistic, even though I wanted her to have a stronger spine. Her behavior was just that of a normal woman, trying to get over a man she's in love with who doesn't return her feelings.
I enjoyed the mystery and while I figured out the answer, I flip flopped through the end:) There was one plot hole, though, that I'm still puzzled about. The romance was tough given Keith's disconnection but it was real. Otherwise, I liked the story and look forward to the next in the series, especially after the epilogue.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been drug free and has become extremely successful as a commercial real estate investor in California. Leaving Fairham Island and his controlling, cruel mother has everything to do with him staying clean. However, when Keith's informed of her death, ruled a suicide, he has to go back to the place that represents lots of personal pain and failure. And, he doesn't buy Josephine killed herself. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with the woman who was his lifeline in those very dark days, Nancy Dellinger.
I thought Josephine's "redemption" at the end of the last book was questionable and a lot is discovered here that confirmed my suspicions. However, she's still a very complicated character and her actions made this an interesting mystery. Even in death she continues to overshadow her children.
I liked Keith's growth and how it was illustrated, not presenting him as cured but a continuing work in progress. His relationship, however, was disappointing as I never sensed the empathy I would have expected. But, I think he was authentically portrayed. Nancy's weakness in not being able to resist him was also realistic, even though I wanted her to have a stronger spine. Her behavior was just that of a normal woman, trying to get over a man she's in love with who doesn't return her feelings.
I enjoyed the mystery and while I figured out the answer, I flip flopped through the end:) There was one plot hole, though, that I'm still puzzled about. The romance was tough given Keith's disconnection but it was real. Otherwise, I liked the story and look forward to the next in the series, especially after the epilogue.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
April 20, 2017
Josephine Lazarow is dead. The law believes it is suicide while the family believes it is murder. Keith Lazarow, her estranged son, comes home to Fairham Island to put Josephine's estate, properties and business to rights. Keith is in contact with his sisters, Maisey and Roxanne, and their families. Together they are trying to prove their mother was murdered.
Keith also wants to be with Nancy Dellinger. She was his solace during the troubled time five years ago. Nancy has never stopped loving Keith. He has had Nancy on his mind for five years. Keith feels right with Nancy and feels they're good friends.
Will Keith find his mother's killer? Will Josephine's death tear her family apart? Can Keith and Nancy strike up a"friends with benefits" relationship? Is there an HEA for them?
This novel is about forgiveness and second chances. All the characters are like family. We witness the struggle and growth of each character. The mystery of Josephine's death drives the the plot. The growth of the secondary characters comprise the subplots. The atmosphere is almost like a second character in the novel. The pace is smooth flowing. This novel has adult language and steamy love scenes.
Keith also wants to be with Nancy Dellinger. She was his solace during the troubled time five years ago. Nancy has never stopped loving Keith. He has had Nancy on his mind for five years. Keith feels right with Nancy and feels they're good friends.
Will Keith find his mother's killer? Will Josephine's death tear her family apart? Can Keith and Nancy strike up a"friends with benefits" relationship? Is there an HEA for them?
This novel is about forgiveness and second chances. All the characters are like family. We witness the struggle and growth of each character. The mystery of Josephine's death drives the the plot. The growth of the secondary characters comprise the subplots. The atmosphere is almost like a second character in the novel. The pace is smooth flowing. This novel has adult language and steamy love scenes.
June 24, 2017
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
What a great mystery! I love to read for escape and entertainment. This one does not disappoint.
This is a follow up to THE SECRET SISTER where we first met the Lazarow family of Fairham Island, South Carolina, an island off the coast near Charleston. Josephine Lazarow is the narcissistic and controlling family matriarch who enjoys the attention that she gets especially from men. Josephine has three children: Maisey, who lives on the island with her husband and two children, Keith, her estranged son who lives in Los Angeles, and Roxanne, a daughter who was kidnapped as a child and found five years ago. She, her husband and children live in Lafitte, Louisiana. At the beginning we find out that Josephine has been found dead in her tub of an apparent suicide but Keith is convinced that Josephine would not kill herself even after the local police chief tells Keith that his mother was in dire financial condition. Keith takes charge of proving that Josephine was killed.
This was a great suspenseful read. Keith redeemed himself in THE SECRETS SHE KEPT. The five years since he left Fairham he has turned his life around. He has kicked his addiction to cocaine and even turned his financial situation around in LA with a real estate company that he started. He seems to have the Midas touch that his maternal grandfather had. The twists and turns that the story follows move the suspicion of whodunit from one person to another. Josephine's atrocious behavior carries over in her death. She was the kind of person that one loved to hate and her actions are far reaching. We see another part of her life that we have never seen and it is a shocker.
Keith rekindles his relationship with Nancy, who works in the flower shop that his mom owned. Nancy was the one person that he could count on in his days of drugs and neediness. But Nancy got her heart broken by Keith five years ago and is not readily trusting in him.
Ms. Novak has another hit with the suspense and character development. Fairham Island and the people who live there seem real and a place to enjoy visiting.
What a great mystery! I love to read for escape and entertainment. This one does not disappoint.
This is a follow up to THE SECRET SISTER where we first met the Lazarow family of Fairham Island, South Carolina, an island off the coast near Charleston. Josephine Lazarow is the narcissistic and controlling family matriarch who enjoys the attention that she gets especially from men. Josephine has three children: Maisey, who lives on the island with her husband and two children, Keith, her estranged son who lives in Los Angeles, and Roxanne, a daughter who was kidnapped as a child and found five years ago. She, her husband and children live in Lafitte, Louisiana. At the beginning we find out that Josephine has been found dead in her tub of an apparent suicide but Keith is convinced that Josephine would not kill herself even after the local police chief tells Keith that his mother was in dire financial condition. Keith takes charge of proving that Josephine was killed.
This was a great suspenseful read. Keith redeemed himself in THE SECRETS SHE KEPT. The five years since he left Fairham he has turned his life around. He has kicked his addiction to cocaine and even turned his financial situation around in LA with a real estate company that he started. He seems to have the Midas touch that his maternal grandfather had. The twists and turns that the story follows move the suspicion of whodunit from one person to another. Josephine's atrocious behavior carries over in her death. She was the kind of person that one loved to hate and her actions are far reaching. We see another part of her life that we have never seen and it is a shocker.
Keith rekindles his relationship with Nancy, who works in the flower shop that his mom owned. Nancy was the one person that he could count on in his days of drugs and neediness. But Nancy got her heart broken by Keith five years ago and is not readily trusting in him.
Ms. Novak has another hit with the suspense and character development. Fairham Island and the people who live there seem real and a place to enjoy visiting.
August 23, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Secrets She Kept is a mystery with seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to the who did it.
While the characters are the same in The Secrets She Kept and The Secret Sister, the tone and the feel of the story here is quite different. Partly because it unfolds five years after the ending of the first book, and possibly also because it was more from Keith's point of view, and he had made some huge changes in his life in the past five years. This character growth, as well as the suspense surrounding the matriarch's death made me both anxious to keep reading, and kept me guessing, and guessing, and guessing.
When Keith got news of his mother's alleged suicide, he could not believe this was true at all. One who thought the most important thing in life was showing the world a perfect image of oneself would not let herself be found naked in a bathtub without any makeup on. That's one thing he was sure of. The Secrets She Kept had two different mysteries going on at the same time, which made the story even more interesting. One was all the different kinds of secrets the mother had kept throughout her life - both those concerning her family, and those concerning herself. Then, there was the mystery surrounding her death. Because the more Keith dug, the more it seemed like he might be right...
The romance elements in The Secrets She Kept showed how much Keith had grown since the last book. From being a drug addict, and taking advantage of those close to him, he was now a self-made millionaire. He worked out when he felt like shooting up, and he treated people with respect and kindness. I think these changes in Keith were my favorite part of the story, even if the mystery and the romance were amazing as well. The mystery was one that kept me guessing and not until the very end did I guess something right - and I think I was supposed to get it at that point.
Written in third person point of view, mostly from Keith's perspective and in past tense, The Secrets She Kept had a nice pace. The dialogues between the characters helped move the story forward, and it also made sure the mystery was complete for the duration of the read. If you enjoy suspense and mysteries, you should pick up this story, and even if they can be read as stand alone stories, I suggest you read The Secret Sister before you start this one.
His life had always revolved around his autocratic mother and what he was supposed to do and be in order to honor his Coldiron heritage. Escaping the jaws of her expectations had required more grit and determination than he could have ever imagined.
Even after five years, she felt she had to worry about him. He was screwed up, had always been screwed up. He suspected that if he ever visited a psychologist he'd be diagnosed as bipolar.
But Keith couldn't believe she'd do that. Having the police tramp through her house to find her naked in a bathtub would be humiliating to her. If she was going to commit suicide, she'd put on her most flattering dress and arrange herself on the bed.
The Secrets She Kept is a mystery with seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to the who did it.
While the characters are the same in The Secrets She Kept and The Secret Sister, the tone and the feel of the story here is quite different. Partly because it unfolds five years after the ending of the first book, and possibly also because it was more from Keith's point of view, and he had made some huge changes in his life in the past five years. This character growth, as well as the suspense surrounding the matriarch's death made me both anxious to keep reading, and kept me guessing, and guessing, and guessing.
When Keith got news of his mother's alleged suicide, he could not believe this was true at all. One who thought the most important thing in life was showing the world a perfect image of oneself would not let herself be found naked in a bathtub without any makeup on. That's one thing he was sure of. The Secrets She Kept had two different mysteries going on at the same time, which made the story even more interesting. One was all the different kinds of secrets the mother had kept throughout her life - both those concerning her family, and those concerning herself. Then, there was the mystery surrounding her death. Because the more Keith dug, the more it seemed like he might be right...
The romance elements in The Secrets She Kept showed how much Keith had grown since the last book. From being a drug addict, and taking advantage of those close to him, he was now a self-made millionaire. He worked out when he felt like shooting up, and he treated people with respect and kindness. I think these changes in Keith were my favorite part of the story, even if the mystery and the romance were amazing as well. The mystery was one that kept me guessing and not until the very end did I guess something right - and I think I was supposed to get it at that point.
Written in third person point of view, mostly from Keith's perspective and in past tense, The Secrets She Kept had a nice pace. The dialogues between the characters helped move the story forward, and it also made sure the mystery was complete for the duration of the read. If you enjoy suspense and mysteries, you should pick up this story, and even if they can be read as stand alone stories, I suggest you read The Secret Sister before you start this one.
His life had always revolved around his autocratic mother and what he was supposed to do and be in order to honor his Coldiron heritage. Escaping the jaws of her expectations had required more grit and determination than he could have ever imagined.
Even after five years, she felt she had to worry about him. He was screwed up, had always been screwed up. He suspected that if he ever visited a psychologist he'd be diagnosed as bipolar.
But Keith couldn't believe she'd do that. Having the police tramp through her house to find her naked in a bathtub would be humiliating to her. If she was going to commit suicide, she'd put on her most flattering dress and arrange herself on the bed.
June 10, 2016
I like a bit of romance and a bit of mystery/suspense, unfortunately this one leaned too much in the romance category for my taste. It reads like a soap opera, complete with the hot, rich guy, who no woman can turn down, even though he is incapable of love and commitment. Just not a turn on for me. The writing is also emotions wordy; I kept wanting to skip to the mystery story line. Probably just not my genre, as for many this is a slam/dunk. Thank you to goodreads contest for a chance to sample this author's writing.
February 10, 2017
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and /or publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
4.5
Who killed "Mommy Dearest"? This lady was a real peach. Who didn't want her dead? I have always heard nothing but good things about this author. Now I can see why after reading this.
4.5
Who killed "Mommy Dearest"? This lady was a real peach. Who didn't want her dead? I have always heard nothing but good things about this author. Now I can see why after reading this.
June 26, 2018
I love, love, love drama, and this book seemed perfect for ringing in the summer season with a nice murder-mystery romantic suspense kind of thing. And overall, the plot of this book was pretty decent. Woman dies, estranged son is convinced it’s murder and takes it upon himself to prove it, plus romance. I was super excited to get into this.
Unfortunately, this just didn’t do it for me. Keith is a pretty terrible person, and the romance was awful. He would say how important it was that he be a better person and prove to “the one that got away” (Nancy) that he’s a better person. So, naturally, he promptly goes into pressuring her for sex and getting angry when she says no and that she’s dating other guys and being your typically abusive, possessive asshole. So, um. Yeah. Not a fan of that. I also didn’t like the fact that Keith is “so hot” a lesbian character says maybe she’ll turn straight for him. I think it was supposed to be a joke, but it was tasteless and also unclear, which means it wasn’t pulled off well.
The murder mystery itself is vaguely interesting and had some twists and turns, but the romance put me off the whole book, because I just couldn’t root for a guy who was so awful.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Unfortunately, this just didn’t do it for me. Keith is a pretty terrible person, and the romance was awful. He would say how important it was that he be a better person and prove to “the one that got away” (Nancy) that he’s a better person. So, naturally, he promptly goes into pressuring her for sex and getting angry when she says no and that she’s dating other guys and being your typically abusive, possessive asshole. So, um. Yeah. Not a fan of that. I also didn’t like the fact that Keith is “so hot” a lesbian character says maybe she’ll turn straight for him. I think it was supposed to be a joke, but it was tasteless and also unclear, which means it wasn’t pulled off well.
The murder mystery itself is vaguely interesting and had some twists and turns, but the romance put me off the whole book, because I just couldn’t root for a guy who was so awful.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
June 26, 2019
The second book in the Fairham Island series by Brenda Novak. Keith Lazarow moved away from Fairham Island and made good for himself in Real Estate. Now is is informed by his sister that their mother is dead and looks like suicide. But Keith knows that his mother would never commit suicide and comes home to settle the estate and find out the truth. When he left Fairham Island he left Nancy Dellinger. Nancy worked for his mother and has motive for murder but Keith knows that Nancy doesn't have it in her.
I didn't like Keith in the first book but I did soften up towards him in this story. We learn family secrets and get a few surprise twists and turns here. It has been a while since I read the first book so I do recommend reading them closer together to keep the details from the first book fresh in your mind.
I didn't like Keith in the first book but I did soften up towards him in this story. We learn family secrets and get a few surprise twists and turns here. It has been a while since I read the first book so I do recommend reading them closer together to keep the details from the first book fresh in your mind.
April 8, 2025
Nice continuation
I read the first book that focused on Maisey’s life & really enjoyed it. This was a really good book too that further explained some of the characters - mostly Keith. I will definitely be on the search for a 3rd book in this series!
I read the first book that focused on Maisey’s life & really enjoyed it. This was a really good book too that further explained some of the characters - mostly Keith. I will definitely be on the search for a 3rd book in this series!
July 31, 2016
This is my first book by Brenda Novak. I knew this was going to be the second book in the series but I didn't want to wait any longer to read a book by her. I have heard positive things about her books and I was hoping I was going to like her writing. I certainly did. I started The Secrets She Kept and I didn't put it down until I was done.
The story centers around a dysfunctional family living in Fairham Island. When Josephine Lazarow is found dead, Keith, her son travels from LA back to his childhood home. It has been five years since he has had any contact with her but he knows he must be there for his two sisters. He's a successful businessman now but in the past, he was nothing but a drug addict.
Keith Lazarow is sure that his mother was murdered and he's determined to stay until he can get the answers he's seeking. He's also ashamed of the way he mistreated Nancy Dellinger, the woman who helped him when he was at his worst and whom he repaid by stealing money from.
Nancy has never moved on after Keith left her. She recently has started online dating but so far she's not attracted to any of the guys she's dating. She knows that the death of Josephine, who's also her employer, is going to bring Keith back into her life. She knows she should avoid him but he makes it hard for her to do it when all he wants is forgiveness and to spend time with her before he leaves back to LA.
Keith, with the help of his sisters, the police, and Nancy, is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his mother's death. Soon, some of the clues start pointing to someone close to him.
I like the way Mrs. Novak pieced together the story line. I was impressed by Keith's determination with both, the truth about his mother's death and fixing past mistakes with Nancy.
The Secrets She Kept has intrigue, romance, and suspense. I want to go back and read the first one in the series and I'm hoping the next book comes out soon too.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
July 29, 2016
SYNOPSIS:
The rich and powerful Josephine Lazarow, matriarch of Fairham Island, is dead. The police say it's suicide, but Keith, her estranged son, doesn't believe it.
Keith bears scars—both physical and emotional—from his childhood, but he's worked hard to overcome the past. After walking away from his mother and her controlling ways five years ago, he's built a new life in LA. He's also accumulated a fortune of his own. But as soon as he learns of his mother's death, he returns to Fairham. He feels he owes it to his grandfather to put the family empire together again—and he's determined to find his mother's killer.
Problem is…coming home to Fairham puts him back in contact with Nancy Dellinger, the woman he hurt so badly when he left before. And digging that deep into his mother's final days and hours entails a very real risk.
Because the person who killed her could be someone he loves…
MY THOUGHTS: The Secrets She Kept
WOW! Who knew one woman could hold so many secrets? This was such a great follow-up to THE SECRET SISTER. I enjoyed revisiting Fairham, South Carolina and catching up with these characters. It was wonderful to read Keith's story though under tragic circumstances. Not only does this book have romance but it has an edge of your seat suspense that leaves you turning the page wanting to know more and before you know it you have reached the end. The book has so many twists and an ending you don't see coming. Brenda Novak is a master of storytelling and can weave a story of intrigue as well as a tender love story that leaves a reader not only mesmerized but on an emotional roller coaster. This is a must read.
July 28, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not really impressed with this series. I don't really see where it is going to go. The romance is tepid, at best, the suspense is nonexistent and the mystery is weak. I also had a real hard time connecting with and caring for the main characters in this book.
The book takes place 5 years after The Secret Sister. Keith, the son with a drug addiction, took off from Fairham Island and has had no contact with Mommy Dearest, Josephine. Keith got clean, gambled his way to millionaire status and parlayed that into a multimillion dollar real estate empire in Southern California. He's gotten a handle on his life and his relationships, except with Josephine. He even has tried to make amends to Nancy, who he dropped without a backward look. He is awakened by an early morning call from his sister, Marisy, with the news that their mother, Josephine, is dead. This news forces Keith to reexamine everything he left behind in Fairham Island and return. He also doesn't believe Josephine committed suicide.
Nancy made a life mistake by falling in love with Keith and she just can't seem to get over it, even though she is doing everything she can to. With Josephine dead, Nancy feels relief that she will no longer be a recipient of her endless criticism. She also hopes that she can arrange to buy the flower shop. What she doesn't want is to see Keith again, but that can't be avoided.
Josephine was a beautiful, complicated woman who kept her business and her secrets to herself. The question is, which of The Secrets She Kept got her killed? 3 1/2 stars
Not really impressed with this series. I don't really see where it is going to go. The romance is tepid, at best, the suspense is nonexistent and the mystery is weak. I also had a real hard time connecting with and caring for the main characters in this book.
The book takes place 5 years after The Secret Sister. Keith, the son with a drug addiction, took off from Fairham Island and has had no contact with Mommy Dearest, Josephine. Keith got clean, gambled his way to millionaire status and parlayed that into a multimillion dollar real estate empire in Southern California. He's gotten a handle on his life and his relationships, except with Josephine. He even has tried to make amends to Nancy, who he dropped without a backward look. He is awakened by an early morning call from his sister, Marisy, with the news that their mother, Josephine, is dead. This news forces Keith to reexamine everything he left behind in Fairham Island and return. He also doesn't believe Josephine committed suicide.
Nancy made a life mistake by falling in love with Keith and she just can't seem to get over it, even though she is doing everything she can to. With Josephine dead, Nancy feels relief that she will no longer be a recipient of her endless criticism. She also hopes that she can arrange to buy the flower shop. What she doesn't want is to see Keith again, but that can't be avoided.
Josephine was a beautiful, complicated woman who kept her business and her secrets to herself. The question is, which of The Secrets She Kept got her killed? 3 1/2 stars
July 19, 2016
This was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. It's an incredible story filled with heartbreak, hope, mystery and suspense all twisted together in a way only Ms. Novak can do.
After the death of his mother, Keith Lazarow finds himself back on Fairham Island. He walked away from his mother and this place five years ago and never looked back. After enduring an abusive childhood at the hands of his mother and years of substance abuse he now has his life under control and owns a very successful business in LA. Being back is making him confront some of the demons of his past as well as forcing him to make amends to the people he hurt during those dark days. The one person he owes the biggest apology to is Nancy Dellinger. He knows he hurt her badly when he left and he wants to make it up to her. What was intended to be a quick trip back turns into much more when the evidence begins to point to the death of his mother as a murder rather than a suicide as originally determined. Keith feels a duty to his grandfather to clear the Lazarow name, rebuild the family empire, and find his mother's killer.
There are so many twists and turns to this story, you will be guessing who did it up till the very end. This is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.
After the death of his mother, Keith Lazarow finds himself back on Fairham Island. He walked away from his mother and this place five years ago and never looked back. After enduring an abusive childhood at the hands of his mother and years of substance abuse he now has his life under control and owns a very successful business in LA. Being back is making him confront some of the demons of his past as well as forcing him to make amends to the people he hurt during those dark days. The one person he owes the biggest apology to is Nancy Dellinger. He knows he hurt her badly when he left and he wants to make it up to her. What was intended to be a quick trip back turns into much more when the evidence begins to point to the death of his mother as a murder rather than a suicide as originally determined. Keith feels a duty to his grandfather to clear the Lazarow name, rebuild the family empire, and find his mother's killer.
There are so many twists and turns to this story, you will be guessing who did it up till the very end. This is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.
August 12, 2016
I received an e-copy of this book from the author for the purposes of providing a review.
The Secrets She Kept is a sequel to The Secret Sister. In this one, Josephine, a force of nature in her children's lives, is dead. Why? How?
Keith, who has been away for five years, getting and staying sober, making his own fortune, basically learning who he is without his family around, returns to the island to take care of the details. His sisters are more than capable, but he feels he needs closure, and wants to take care of things himself.
I loved that the siblings' relationship was a major part of the story. Roxanne was a "new" addition to the family in the prior book, and in this one, she's an established part of the family hierarchy. Maisey and Keith talk to her regularly.
There were mentions of Rafe and Maisey and their kids, and Roxanne's marriage has a fairly strong focus here, too. Along with that, of course, is the mystery (even if only in Keith's mind) of how Josephine died, who her new boyfriend was, and Keith re-establishing his friendship with Nancy.
The balance between all the elements was good, never leaving me feeling like anything was missing or getting short shrift. Though I enjoyed the first one, I think I might like this one a wee bit better.
The Secrets She Kept is a sequel to The Secret Sister. In this one, Josephine, a force of nature in her children's lives, is dead. Why? How?
Keith, who has been away for five years, getting and staying sober, making his own fortune, basically learning who he is without his family around, returns to the island to take care of the details. His sisters are more than capable, but he feels he needs closure, and wants to take care of things himself.
I loved that the siblings' relationship was a major part of the story. Roxanne was a "new" addition to the family in the prior book, and in this one, she's an established part of the family hierarchy. Maisey and Keith talk to her regularly.
There were mentions of Rafe and Maisey and their kids, and Roxanne's marriage has a fairly strong focus here, too. Along with that, of course, is the mystery (even if only in Keith's mind) of how Josephine died, who her new boyfriend was, and Keith re-establishing his friendship with Nancy.
The balance between all the elements was good, never leaving me feeling like anything was missing or getting short shrift. Though I enjoyed the first one, I think I might like this one a wee bit better.
September 3, 2016
This is my first Brenda Novak novel and I liked it. It is book #2 in the Fairham Island series. I did not read #1, but felt this story did just fine as a stand alone.
The storyline moved quickly. The author kept me guessing right down to the very end as to who was the real murderer. She created likeable characters and then was just enough romance to make it interesting.
I'm glad I happened upon this book while the series is still in the early stages. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the author takes this series next!
My thanks to Harlequin - Mira, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
The storyline moved quickly. The author kept me guessing right down to the very end as to who was the real murderer. She created likeable characters and then was just enough romance to make it interesting.
I'm glad I happened upon this book while the series is still in the early stages. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the author takes this series next!
My thanks to Harlequin - Mira, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 8, 2017
I love all of Brenda's books, which mix family saga, romance and a bit of suspense. This one is particularly good -- it's abut an estranged son who returns home to solve the mystery of his mother's death and put the family back together again, while facing the woman he hurt and trying to figure out if the killer may me among those he holds closest. So many fun things going on here!
March 12, 2019
The murder/mystery here was very good. Another one of those that I did not see coming. Happy to see the way things turned about for the family. I was REALLY happy to see the way it turned out for Keith and Nancy. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2016
Loved this book! It was so great, great to see these characters again, and yeah, just a great book!
September 7, 2020
Great finish to a short series!
April 19, 2018
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
So I didn't know this was part of a series until I looked it up on Goodreads. Which for me was no big deal as I didn't feel like I was missing anything major except some romance from two characters.
Josephine is a very powerful woman who lives on Fairham Island and has not treated her children with the best of love or at least that is what I gathered. So when she ends up dead Keith her son wants to find out what happened. Something doesn't sound right and he is determined to find out. What he ends up uncovering with the help of the sheriff is his mother has some secrets and some have been buried for years.
While trying to solve this case we see that he still has feelings for Nancy a woman he left years ago. Can they rekindle or will he be going back to his lifestyle in LA? We see how Nancy handles the whole situation and funny enough her sister doesn't make it easy. I found myself laughing at the antics her sister would say in front of Keith. That is true sisterly love right there.
Character-wise the author did a great job with them and I felt them be well developed, I didn't have a favorite character because I liked them all in their own way.
The plot was a steady pace and it was hard to put down once I started reading. I wanted to know who was behind it all and once everything started clicking in place I figured it all out. Even with the little surprise at the end, I had that one already.
Even though this is a book two it did well as stand-alone but it did peak my curiosity at the setting of Fairham Island that I will be reading book one to meet all the characters from the beginning.
The one thing that did bother me a bit was just how opened the sheriff was with her investigation with Keith. Like he wasn't any type of law enforcement so he didn't need to know a lot of things. Yet it did work out in his favor.
So I didn't know this was part of a series until I looked it up on Goodreads. Which for me was no big deal as I didn't feel like I was missing anything major except some romance from two characters.
Josephine is a very powerful woman who lives on Fairham Island and has not treated her children with the best of love or at least that is what I gathered. So when she ends up dead Keith her son wants to find out what happened. Something doesn't sound right and he is determined to find out. What he ends up uncovering with the help of the sheriff is his mother has some secrets and some have been buried for years.
While trying to solve this case we see that he still has feelings for Nancy a woman he left years ago. Can they rekindle or will he be going back to his lifestyle in LA? We see how Nancy handles the whole situation and funny enough her sister doesn't make it easy. I found myself laughing at the antics her sister would say in front of Keith. That is true sisterly love right there.
Character-wise the author did a great job with them and I felt them be well developed, I didn't have a favorite character because I liked them all in their own way.
The plot was a steady pace and it was hard to put down once I started reading. I wanted to know who was behind it all and once everything started clicking in place I figured it all out. Even with the little surprise at the end, I had that one already.
Even though this is a book two it did well as stand-alone but it did peak my curiosity at the setting of Fairham Island that I will be reading book one to meet all the characters from the beginning.
The one thing that did bother me a bit was just how opened the sheriff was with her investigation with Keith. Like he wasn't any type of law enforcement so he didn't need to know a lot of things. Yet it did work out in his favor.
June 30, 2024
Rahasia Masa Kini mengambil latar 5 tahun setelah buku pertamanya. Kehidupan Maisey sudah mapan bersama Rafe dan dua anak mereka. Rockie hidup tenang di Lousiana bersama keluarganya. Dan Keith, berhasil bangkit dari pusaran kecanduan yang dialaminya. Buku ini berfokus pada kehidupan Keith yang sukses dan bermukim di California sebelum mendapat telepon dari Maisey yang mengabarkan Josephine, ibu mereka, ditemukan meninggal di Coldiron House, rumah masa kecil mereka.
Keith kembali ke Fairham, membawa sejuta kenangan buruk dan baik, melihat kembali kehidupan ketika berada di bawah kendali sang ibu, lalu bersua dengan Nancy, mantan kekasih yang sebenarnya tidak pernah dia lupakan. Kematian Josephine meninggalkan tanda tanya ketika polisi menyatakan bahwa kepala keluarga Lazarow itu meninggal karena bunuh diri. Mayatnya ditemukan berendam di bak dengan obat tidur di sampingnya.
Keith yang sangat mengenal sang ibu menolak pernyataan tersebut dan memilih menyewa patolog pribadi untuk mengetahui dengan pasti kematian Josephine. Penemuan polisi membuat Keith kembali mempertanyakan seberapa banyak yang disembunyikan oleh ibunya dan dugaan-dugaan mengenai afair dalam keluarga mereka.
Alurnya cukup kompleks. Buku ini berpotensi menjadi suspense-romance yang apik kalau saja narasi nggak terlalu pentingnya dipotong. Serius, nggak perlu nunggu sampai pertengahan, lah, di awal saja sudah bikin eneg. Ditambah informasi yang sudah dijabarkan diungkit kembali di bagian lain seolah takut pembaca bakal mengalami amnesia (bukannya nggak bakal mengalami setelahnya juga, sih) dadakan.
Deduksi yang lebih menarik jika dicampur ke alur justru berakhir menjadi dialog batin karakter semata. Bukannya penasaran malah justru membosankan. Kayak nunggu momen, "ya terus habis itu apaaa?"
Sudah tiga buku BN yang kubaca dan ke depannya berpotensi besar nggak akan baca buku-buku beliau yan lain. Mau rest dulu setelah digempur dua buku di seri ini yang aduh entahlah, bikin capek :(
Keith kembali ke Fairham, membawa sejuta kenangan buruk dan baik, melihat kembali kehidupan ketika berada di bawah kendali sang ibu, lalu bersua dengan Nancy, mantan kekasih yang sebenarnya tidak pernah dia lupakan. Kematian Josephine meninggalkan tanda tanya ketika polisi menyatakan bahwa kepala keluarga Lazarow itu meninggal karena bunuh diri. Mayatnya ditemukan berendam di bak dengan obat tidur di sampingnya.
Keith yang sangat mengenal sang ibu menolak pernyataan tersebut dan memilih menyewa patolog pribadi untuk mengetahui dengan pasti kematian Josephine. Penemuan polisi membuat Keith kembali mempertanyakan seberapa banyak yang disembunyikan oleh ibunya dan dugaan-dugaan mengenai afair dalam keluarga mereka.
Alurnya cukup kompleks. Buku ini berpotensi menjadi suspense-romance yang apik kalau saja narasi nggak terlalu pentingnya dipotong. Serius, nggak perlu nunggu sampai pertengahan, lah, di awal saja sudah bikin eneg. Ditambah informasi yang sudah dijabarkan diungkit kembali di bagian lain seolah takut pembaca bakal mengalami amnesia (bukannya nggak bakal mengalami setelahnya juga, sih) dadakan.
Deduksi yang lebih menarik jika dicampur ke alur justru berakhir menjadi dialog batin karakter semata. Bukannya penasaran malah justru membosankan. Kayak nunggu momen, "ya terus habis itu apaaa?"
Sudah tiga buku BN yang kubaca dan ke depannya berpotensi besar nggak akan baca buku-buku beliau yan lain. Mau rest dulu setelah digempur dua buku di seri ini yang aduh entahlah, bikin capek :(
August 15, 2024
Dibandingkan seri² lain dari author yg aku baca, seri ini lebih baik sih. Tapi tetap aja sequel ini banyak kekurangannya. Maaf saja, mungkin saya sdh kebanyakan baca buku, jadi saya merasa novel ini serba kentang terutama unsur misterinya.
Josephine adalah contoh wanita narsistik yg hingga kematiannya membawa banyak masalah bagi anak-anaknya. Keith mencurigai pembunuhan alih-alih budir spt yg dicurigai polisi. Nah saya bingung jg dgn polisi wanita bernama Harper Underwood itu. Koq semua penyelidikan polisi dia beritahukan pd Keith, pdhl setahu saya sbg petugas hukum, polisi jg hrs merahasiakan investigasi mrk. Lagipula bertele-tele penyelidikannya. Banyak hal-hal yg ditanyakan berulang-ulang.
Lalu para tersangka, author mengecoh pembaca spt saya sejak awal. Tapi ujung-ujungnya yahhh... Seorang tersangka yg gak disangka-sangka sih, walaupun ada motif tapi agak lemah. 50-50. Lagipula gak diberikan kisi-kisi sang tersangka dari awal, alias kita hrs terima aja ya dialah si tersangka.
Lalu romance nya jg kentang deh. Baik Keith maupun Nancy sama-sama sadar hubungan mereka cuma kasual, gak bakal serius. Tema second chance dan hero bermasalah yg sdh "bertobat" adalah trope yg bagus bagi saya andai author memberikan effort LEBIH bagi pasangan ini utk mengusahakan relationship mrk mjd serius.
Segitu aja deh review saya. Tapi memang series ini lumayanlah better drpd series author lainnya.
Josephine adalah contoh wanita narsistik yg hingga kematiannya membawa banyak masalah bagi anak-anaknya. Keith mencurigai pembunuhan alih-alih budir spt yg dicurigai polisi. Nah saya bingung jg dgn polisi wanita bernama Harper Underwood itu. Koq semua penyelidikan polisi dia beritahukan pd Keith, pdhl setahu saya sbg petugas hukum, polisi jg hrs merahasiakan investigasi mrk. Lagipula bertele-tele penyelidikannya. Banyak hal-hal yg ditanyakan berulang-ulang.
Lalu para tersangka, author mengecoh pembaca spt saya sejak awal. Tapi ujung-ujungnya yahhh... Seorang tersangka yg gak disangka-sangka sih, walaupun ada motif tapi agak lemah. 50-50. Lagipula gak diberikan kisi-kisi sang tersangka dari awal, alias kita hrs terima aja ya dialah si tersangka.
Lalu romance nya jg kentang deh. Baik Keith maupun Nancy sama-sama sadar hubungan mereka cuma kasual, gak bakal serius. Tema second chance dan hero bermasalah yg sdh "bertobat" adalah trope yg bagus bagi saya andai author memberikan effort LEBIH bagi pasangan ini utk mengusahakan relationship mrk mjd serius.
Segitu aja deh review saya. Tapi memang series ini lumayanlah better drpd series author lainnya.
May 9, 2018
The rich and powerful Josephine Lazarow, matriarch of Fairham Island, is dead. The police say it's sucide, but Keith her estranged son doesn't believe it.
Keith bears scars-both physical and emotional- from his childhood, but he's worked hard to overcome the past. After walking away from his mother and her controlling ways five years ago, he's built a new life in L.A. He's also accumulated a fortune of his own. But as soon as he learns of his mother's death, he returns to Fairham. He feels he owes it to his grandfather to put the family empire together again - and he's determined to find his mother's killer.
Problem is - coming him to Fairham puts him back in contact with Nancy Dellinger, the woman he hurt so badly when he left before. And digging that deep into his mother's final days and hours, entails a very real risk. Because the person who killed his mother could be someone he loves!
This is the first of this author I have read. The plot was really good but had a little too much romance for me. I was suprised at the ending!
Keith bears scars-both physical and emotional- from his childhood, but he's worked hard to overcome the past. After walking away from his mother and her controlling ways five years ago, he's built a new life in L.A. He's also accumulated a fortune of his own. But as soon as he learns of his mother's death, he returns to Fairham. He feels he owes it to his grandfather to put the family empire together again - and he's determined to find his mother's killer.
Problem is - coming him to Fairham puts him back in contact with Nancy Dellinger, the woman he hurt so badly when he left before. And digging that deep into his mother's final days and hours, entails a very real risk. Because the person who killed his mother could be someone he loves!
This is the first of this author I have read. The plot was really good but had a little too much romance for me. I was suprised at the ending!
April 3, 2021
There were good parts and really weak parts. I finally figured out the focus was off. It might be different if it were deliberate. The author was determined to make this book about the former bad boy. The tool she used was the mother’s death, forcing him to return to the home which was a child’s nightmare. The actual focus should have been the mother. A good omnipotent narrator would have made that work. At the end of the two books my conclusion is that by only referring to the mother as incomprehensible both stories suffered dramatically. The ending on this one was in my opinion too pat and extremely unconvincing.
August 4, 2019
Loved these last two books but I sometimes feel as if there is TOO much filler in between what’s important and it can kinda drag on a bit much PLUS this author throws in these highly sexual scenes that feel completely random and unnecessary and kinda ruins the story a bit but overall good twists and turns and unexpected endings.
July 27, 2018
Didn't realize it was the 2nd book in a series, but was a great read anyway!
July 31, 2020
There needs to be another book!!!!! The ending requires it!
I waited five months for my turn at this book. It was worth every minute!
Brenda Novak is one of the best suspense writers out there!
I waited five months for my turn at this book. It was worth every minute!
Brenda Novak is one of the best suspense writers out there!
April 16, 2022
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
Josephine Lazarow is dead. The law believes it is suicide while the family believes it is murder. Keith Lazarow, her estranged son, comes home to Fairham Island to put Josephine's estate, properties and business to rights. Keith is in contact with his sisters, Maisey and Roxanne, and their families. Together they are trying to prove their mother was murdered.
Keith also wants to be with Nancy Dellinger. She was his solace during the troubled time five years ago. Nancy has never stopped loving Keith. He has had Nancy on his mind for five years. Keith feels right with Nancy and feels they're good friends.
Will Keith find his mother's killer?
Will Josephine's death tear her family apart? Can Keith and Nancy strike up a"friends with benefits" relationship? Is there an HEA for them?
This novel is about forgiveness and second chances. All the characters are like family. We witness the struggle and growth of each character. The mystery of Josephine's death drives the the plot. The growth of the secondary characters comprise the subplots. The atmosphere is almost like a second character in the novel. The pace is smooth flowing. This novel has adult language and steamy love scenes.
**
The story centers around a dysfunctional family living in Fairham Island. When Josephine Lazarow is found dead, Keith, her son travels from LA back to his childhood home. It has been five years since he has had any contact with her but he knows he must be there for his two sisters. He's a successful businessman now but in the past, he was nothing but a drug addict.
Keith Lazarow is sure that his mother was murdered and he's determined to stay until he can get the answers he's seeking. He's also ashamed of the way he mistreated Nancy Dellinger, the woman who helped him when he was at his worst and whom he repaid by stealing money from.
Nancy has never moved on after Keith left her. She recently has started online dating but so far she's not attracted to any of the guys she's dating. She knows that the death of Josephine, who's also her employer, is going to bring Keith back into her life. She knows she should avoid him but he makes it hard for her to do it when all he wants is forgiveness and to spend time with her before he leaves back to LA.
Keith, with the help of his sisters, the police, and Nancy, is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his mother's death. Soon, some of the clues start pointing to someone close to him.
I like the way Mrs. Novak pieced together the story line. I was impressed by Keith's determination with both, the truth about his mother's death and fixing past mistakes with Nancy.
**
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been drug free and has become extremely successful as a commercial real estate investor in California. Leaving Fairham Island and his controlling, cruel mother has everything to do with him staying clean. However, when Keith's informed of her death, ruled a suicide, he has to go back to the place that represents lots of personal pain and failure. And, he doesn't buy Josephine killed herself. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with the woman who was his lifeline in those very dark days, Nancy Dellinger.
I thought Josephine's "redemption" at the end of the last book was questionable and a lot is discovered here that confirmed my suspicions. However, she's still a very complicated character and her actions made this an interesting mystery. Even in death she continues to overshadow her children.
I liked Keith's growth and how it was illustrated, not presenting him as cured but a continuing work in progress. His relationship, however, was disappointing as I never sensed the empathy I would have expected. But, I think he was authentically portrayed. Nancy's weakness in not being able to resist him was also realistic, even though I wanted her to have a stronger spine. Her behavior was just that of a normal woman, trying to get over a man she's in love with who doesn't return her feelings.
**
Finally..
Epilogue
**
Josephine Lazarow is dead. The law believes it is suicide while the family believes it is murder. Keith Lazarow, her estranged son, comes home to Fairham Island to put Josephine's estate, properties and business to rights. Keith is in contact with his sisters, Maisey and Roxanne, and their families. Together they are trying to prove their mother was murdered.
Keith also wants to be with Nancy Dellinger. She was his solace during the troubled time five years ago. Nancy has never stopped loving Keith. He has had Nancy on his mind for five years. Keith feels right with Nancy and feels they're good friends.
Will Keith find his mother's killer?
Will Josephine's death tear her family apart? Can Keith and Nancy strike up a"friends with benefits" relationship? Is there an HEA for them?
This novel is about forgiveness and second chances. All the characters are like family. We witness the struggle and growth of each character. The mystery of Josephine's death drives the the plot. The growth of the secondary characters comprise the subplots. The atmosphere is almost like a second character in the novel. The pace is smooth flowing. This novel has adult language and steamy love scenes.
**
The story centers around a dysfunctional family living in Fairham Island. When Josephine Lazarow is found dead, Keith, her son travels from LA back to his childhood home. It has been five years since he has had any contact with her but he knows he must be there for his two sisters. He's a successful businessman now but in the past, he was nothing but a drug addict.
Keith Lazarow is sure that his mother was murdered and he's determined to stay until he can get the answers he's seeking. He's also ashamed of the way he mistreated Nancy Dellinger, the woman who helped him when he was at his worst and whom he repaid by stealing money from.
Nancy has never moved on after Keith left her. She recently has started online dating but so far she's not attracted to any of the guys she's dating. She knows that the death of Josephine, who's also her employer, is going to bring Keith back into her life. She knows she should avoid him but he makes it hard for her to do it when all he wants is forgiveness and to spend time with her before he leaves back to LA.
Keith, with the help of his sisters, the police, and Nancy, is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his mother's death. Soon, some of the clues start pointing to someone close to him.
I like the way Mrs. Novak pieced together the story line. I was impressed by Keith's determination with both, the truth about his mother's death and fixing past mistakes with Nancy.
**
It's been five years since the last story and Keith Lazarow has accomplished the seemingly impossible. He's been drug free and has become extremely successful as a commercial real estate investor in California. Leaving Fairham Island and his controlling, cruel mother has everything to do with him staying clean. However, when Keith's informed of her death, ruled a suicide, he has to go back to the place that represents lots of personal pain and failure. And, he doesn't buy Josephine killed herself. He's also looking forward to reconnecting with the woman who was his lifeline in those very dark days, Nancy Dellinger.
I thought Josephine's "redemption" at the end of the last book was questionable and a lot is discovered here that confirmed my suspicions. However, she's still a very complicated character and her actions made this an interesting mystery. Even in death she continues to overshadow her children.
I liked Keith's growth and how it was illustrated, not presenting him as cured but a continuing work in progress. His relationship, however, was disappointing as I never sensed the empathy I would have expected. But, I think he was authentically portrayed. Nancy's weakness in not being able to resist him was also realistic, even though I wanted her to have a stronger spine. Her behavior was just that of a normal woman, trying to get over a man she's in love with who doesn't return her feelings.
**
Finally..
Epilogue
April 14, 2017
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews