Secrets

by Beckie Lindsey

A Young Adult Spiritual Warfare Suspense Series (Beauties from Ashes book 1) Every girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find--but the demons already have. Four girls. Four sets of secrets. Four searching for answers. Mackenzie is the shy, awkward new girl at school, depressed and desperate for a real friend. When she stumbles upon the deepest secret of a sarcastic, angry-at-the-world track star, Krystal, they become instant enemies-especially about the flirtatious baseball player, Bryce. Tammi, a gloomy singer/musician who couldn't care less about what others think of her, meets Sadie, a dancer and a people-pleaser with a cotton candy disposition. They have nothing in common until their lives begin to collide in more ways than one. As the girls' worlds begin to converge, their secrets rather than their similarities draw them together. Meanwhile, all that's kept hidden has left them vulnerable to a battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep the girls chained to their pasts while angels of light work to free them.Can good ever come from evil? Can beauty ever arise from ashes?

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Young Adult

272 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2018

About the author

Beckie Lindsey moved 18 times growing up. Her best friends were often in the stories she read or created herself.

Today, Beckie is an award-winning author, poet, blogger, and editor of Southern California Christian Voice, a national news syndicating agency. Her books include the Beauties from Ashes Series: Books 1-3. Book 4 releases September 2020 (Elk Lake Publishing 2018, 2019), and Legacy: Living NOW for Future Generations (2018).

A major coffeeholic, Beckie enjoys a cup of joe and a good book with a cat on her lap. She also loves to hike and hang out with family and friends. Beckie and her husband, Scott, have three adult children, two adorable cats and live in California.

Reviews

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets is The Screwtape Letters meets Mean Girls. It shares with raw honesty the intensity of spiritual battle that is happening daily all around us. No one, not even pastors or ministry leaders are safe from the attacks of demons. But there are also angels who surround us and fight on the Lord's command. However, sometimes God allows painful things in our lives. Why? Because as it says in chapter 13: "Certain events must happen in order to draw the people to the only power that will save them." Our salvation is more important than our temporary pain, no matter how great that might be. It's difficult for us to understand sometimes, but in light of eternity our time on this earth is faster than the blink of an eye.

While some parts of the story can be difficult to read (see below for trigger warnings), the stories of the four girls in this story and their families are sadly a reality for many. As a youth leader myself, I can share with certainty that there are very real, dark battles that teens are facing in the world today. Often, in a room of 30 teens there are at least two or three others that can relate personally to the same trials. But instead of uniting and coming alongside each other in their pain, they often resort to mean words and and hurtful actions. It's both sad and frustrating to witness. But understanding that the battle we fight is a spiritual one and not merely physical--it's life-changing. My hope would be that teens reading this book would be able to see that and have it radically change how they view their hurdles.

The author has masterfully weaved the characters' individual battles together in such a way that they gain fellowship with one another simultaneously as they give up their battles to the Lord. There is very authentic, deep, bottom of the soul pain that has to be released in order for healing to occur. But what is great, is that the Lord doesn't leave us to fight those battles on our own. We have the help of our Heavenly Father and His angels, but he has also given us one another in fellowship. That's the journey of discovery these characters are on.

This is an absolutely amazing story and is well worth the read, however it can also be a triggering read for many. The author herself shares a trigger warning at the beginning of the book for content pertaining to sexual abuse/incest, but that should also extend to depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, bulimia, and alcohol abuse. The author hasn't shied away from these topics for a very real purpose. I would definitely encourage parents to read this along with their teens both 1) so they can be aware of what their children are facing in today's world and 2) so they can help their child process anything that might be relevant to them from the story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to share a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Eve Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for both young and old alike. Real life challenges face four young women who have to live in their own sense of normal. I enjoyed the Author’s interweaving of each story together into one with God at the center. I was in tears over the visual of God’s warriors praying and fighting over us in the supernatural. Great book- cannot wait for book 2!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational read

This book addresses important issues from a young adult perspective. Great read with a strong faith based message. Each character draws you in and you can't help but become connected and want to know more about their lives as you cheer them on in their individual battles between good and evil. I love the imagery in this story and how it takes readers into the spiritual world of angels and demons. A beautiful reminder of the power of prayer, that we are not alone and God is in control when we surrender our fear

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is considered a YA book, I highly encourage parents to read it first to make sure they are comfortable with the topics presented. The author provides a look into many things that are hurting our teens today, and rightly so. These issues need to be addressed, and teens need characters they can connect with, or learn warning signs from, or even understand how to deal with it. I think Lindsey did a great job of showcasing the battle between good versus evil, that not only is in the world, but inside our minds.

If your teen is mature enough to handle all the situations covered in this book, I highly encourage them to read. In fact, read it with them. It provides the opportunity for so many in depth, spiritual conversations! I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love it when a book opens the door for conversations like that. Yes, this is a fictional book. But it opens the door to so many opportunities, and the chance to grow or help someone.

These characters are complex, and yes some of it was a little difficult to read. But isn't life a little hard to deal with sometime? Don't we need a form of hope to get through it all? I think that's what Lindsey is trying to get across. In a world of darkness, when we ourselves have some darkness at times, there is still hope. Hope from the One who always provides a way out. Hope from the One who has already won the ultimate battle. I'm grateful to have exposure to a book like this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jonathan Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one’s walk with Christ through this world we all too often become jaded and numb to the reality of Spiritual Warfare. In Beckie Lindsey’s book Secrets: Beauty from Ashes Series Book 1 we journey with four teenage girls who carry the burdens of their secrets and how Demons come to oppress them, but also how God’s Angels are fighting for them. Secrets is an excellent read that draws the reader into these girls’ realities and the war that is waged for their souls. The complex themes bring a wonderful depth to the angst of their trials and though no matter how burnt one may be, God makes beauty from ashes. It truly was an amazing blessing to read!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, there will be no more secrets after reading this book. In fact, it perfectly aligns with how young adults face many trials and tribulations these days. I felt that the characters were realistic and unique to the book world. They weren’t evil teens looking to be nasty on the way to the top, but they weren’t perfect either. They had their own personalities and flaws, along with struggles. It was a great reminder that we all have the rebuilding moments that allow us to become better people. Through God, we see the growth and faith bloom in this book. I felt that this book was a great read as an adult and would be excellent for 14 and older.

[Mary Langer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This young adult novel doesn't pull any punches about young people's struggles today, questions about faith, good and evil, and what the answer should be for us all. Beckie Lindsey describes high school and home life in realistic ways with human, imperfect adults who make things worse or try to help. As I read, I was reminded of the classics Pilgrim's Progress and C.S. Lewis's, The Screwtape Letters. At times I loved and sympathized with the four teenagers, who have different secrets and levels of maturity, and at other times I became exasperated with them, yet I still wanted to keep reading to see how this story is resolved. Will each girl's secret be revealed and, if so, to whom? Even the teen love interest, Bryce, tries to help but messes up. I particularly loved Krystal's sarcasm and Sadie's exuberance. Although the book is fiction, in an Afterword there is an explanation of why Lindsey portrayed the angel-demon battle as she did. The chapter for Volume 2 in the developing trilogy is included at the end, and one can see the first story does not end magically solving all of the girls' problems. The author herself advises that a caring adult should read this book first because it deals with difficult topics like bulimia and incest. This is a book adults will want to discuss among themselves and with young people. Bravo, Beckie Lindsey! I can't wait to read Volumes 2 and 3.

[The Film Director's Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read about Spiritual Warfare

I had read where another reviewer compared this book to C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters" only with teen girls and I would agree that was an accurate description.

I enjoyed the book overall and think that the Author Beckie Lindsey very well portrayed the daily fight between angels and demons - good and evil swirling around us all each day in the spiritual realm even if we cannot always see it in the physical world we live in.

I think this would be a good read for teens and a good way to introduce them to the concept of spiritual warfare, however due to the heavy nature of some of the content -
if you have a sensitive or younger teen, I would encourage you to read it beforehand so you can answer any questions they may have.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauties from Ashes is a marvel! Author Beckie Lindsey adeptly weaves a story of four young girls who are in an unwitting battle against nothing less than demons from hell. This powerful story will remind you that you do not battle against yourself or other people, but against the devil himself. Even so, you will be blessed and encouraged to stand firm in your faith as you remember God's loving protection.

(I was honored to read the Advanced Reader Copy.)

[Terry Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put Secrets (Beauties from Ashes) down! Realistic, scary, fascinating
and a real twist of a plot. I'm buying two of these books
to give to my Pastors at church. They have special small
groups that they hold on a regular basis, and I am sure that
this would be an amazing resource for teens.

I am by no stretch a 'teen' but loved this book! and can't wait for
the next in Beckie Lindsey's series.

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA read, but adults will also enjoy and learn from this fast paced book. I started it with every intention of reading a few chapters before bed. Five hours later I had devoured the entire book. The characters are beautifully flawed and I found myself cheering for them when they couldn’t cheer for themselves. There are some hard, but real, issues addressed in this book. I appreciate that Beckie Lindsey addresses topics that are often ignored and spotlights the reality that there is more going on that what we may ever see with our eyes. This is a great read for teens who are fighting their own battles, as well as adults who would like insight into the struggles today’s teens and young adults face.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First all I, want to say the author does give a warning that this book might cause past issues or present ones to cause a reader more sorrow and to not to continue reading if they do. The warning is because this book deals with the subjects of sexual abuse, incest, bulimia, alcoholism, divorce, adultery, low self-esteem, battling negative thoughts, anger to the point of hate, dealing with evil forces and blaming God, and depression and anxiety. I have to be honest and say after reading this warning, I was tempted to put the book down and not even start reading it because I have dealt with some of these issues and still am dealing with them. But, I read the book and finished it and have to say I am glad I did. This book gave me new hope, yes, I know and believe that God is with us and knows what is best, but the hope came from seeing that God has angels that fights for us. I have always believe in angels but this story, even though it is fiction brought verses like Daniel 10:13 and Jude 1:9 and Hebrews 1:14( They battle demons, carry messages, bring answers to prayers, are instruments of God's judgement and more) more into everyday life.

"Secrets" by Beckie Lindsey is fiction but it is a story that is true in every high school in the United States. This is the first book in the series and I have already downloaded book two.

I don't think I have a favorite character of the four main characters because I felt the heartaches and sorrows from each one of them. And with each one of them I could identify at least one thing with them, no I was never a track star or a singer or a dancer but other similar like Tammy and her grandparents and Sadie, her name was my grandmother's name, Mackenzie like me is shy and finds it hard to make new friends and like Krystal my parents were divorced.

This is a story that isn't a feel good story but it is a story that more young adults and other adults need to read and become more aware that Satan and his demons are out to destroy us by keeping us trapped in our pasts and fears. The story is a clean read and not too graphic.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work is relevant to teen struggles today, and I think a lot of young women would benefit from reading a spiritual perspective regarding their confidence, faith, and ability to be strong for themselves and for others when faced with very real issues of self-image, sexual abuse, and negative home environments.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book in the Beauties from Ashes series, author Beckie Lindsey introduces readers to four teenage girls struggling with issues relevant to young women today—abuse, depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, and more. Then she ratchets up the stakes by introducing the unseen battle being fought for these four solves in the spiritual realm.

Consider Secrets the start of the journey that brings these four very different girls together as they each struggle with the difficult things in their lives—some current, some from the past that continue to haunt them, but all impacting them tremendously.

This book is real and raw. It deals with topics and questions young women often want to keep hidden from the world and the questions these for particular characters have about the God who allowed those things to happen to them.

Secrets spotlights the power of prayer and the importance of community. I’m looking forward to seeing how these girls grow in their faith and friendships in the next book.

I also appreciated Lindsey’s information at the end of the book regarding the content of her story. She provides biblical references to angels, demons, the spiritual realm, and more. The discussion questions offer a vehicle for young ladies to open up and address the issues present in this book with new eyes.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Carol Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this book has a much-needed trigger warning. It covers heavy topics such as rape, incest, sexual abuse, eating disorders, and several other ones that are commonly faced among teens and adults alike at this point in time. It's very active in the spirit realm and holds together pretty good with scripture. It has strong faith elements. It is very much like Pretty Little Liars, just with Chrisitan elements. I would read more from this author, this was my first book by this author.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own choosing.

[Colleen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa I just got done reading the story that you sent me. And let me tell you it filled my heart with joy. It made me think about my life more and the secrets that only a few people know. This story has been a true blessing to me and I know that it will bless a lot more people. Your an amazing writer and thank you so much for blessing me with being able to read this story.

[Rebekah Koontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guiltily, I am a hard core fan of Pretty Little Liars, watching it to the very END. It’s awesome to find a book that not only shares the dramas and secrets of four girls, but the twist of demons adds another layer of suspense. Great read!

[MaryAnn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find–but the demons already have.

Four girls. Four sets of secrets. Four searching for answers.

Mackenzie is the shy, awkward new girl at school, depressed and desperate for a real friend. When she stumbles upon the deepest secret of a sarcastic, angry-at-the-world track star, Krystal, they become instant enemies-especially about the flirtatious baseball player, Bryce.

Tammi, a gloomy singer/musician who couldn’t care less about what others think of her, meets Sadie, a dancer and a people-pleaser with a cotton candy disposition. They have nothing in common until their lives begin to collide in more ways than one.

As the girls’ worlds begin to converge, their secrets rather than their similarities draw them together. Meanwhile, all that’s kept hidden has left them vulnerable to a battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep the girls chained to their pasts while angels of light work to free them.

Can good ever come from evil? Can beauty ever arise from ashes?





My Thoughts: This is an amazing story of how 4 teenage girls deal not only with every day teenage issues, but with a war with demons. There is a war waging around us that we can not see and this book illustrates this extremely well. Do we think of where our bad moods and thoughts come from? This is an intense and creative novel that truly illustrates what goes on in a realm that we cannot see. This novel teaches us that with God, we can be set free from our past and win the battle against evil.


In this story-line, not only did the girls had to deal with some issues from their past, from abuse, arents dealing with depression and alcoholism; they had their usual teenage issues to deal with as well. We as readers learn how they all came together to face these demons controlling them and winning the war.


While reading this book, it made me think what is happening around me when I have a bad thought or a bad mood; those demons in this book will come to my mind to remind me that all I need to do is turn to God in prayer.


The unbelievers are given the gospel and learn how to trust in God and learn how prayer works in their lives.


This was an amazing book, those who enjoy reading about the spiritual realm around us will certainly enjoy this book as much as I did. I am looking forward to her next book in the Beauty from the Ashes series "The Uninvited".

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like an onion that is peeled, there seems to be more layers hidden until you almost want to give up. This book is like peeling away all the darkness, the secrets and the pain that the enemy has tried to place us under. Each girl in the story deals with a different issue that many are familiar with. We may know about incest, but do we know what emotional damage it does? It causes the person to crawl into a shell screaming for someone to save them. There is no one they can trust , so they continue to live with their secret.

The author delivers a book so intense and honest. I wanted to throw the book across the room though, because it brought up memories for me that are still painful. I loved the illustration of demons who are out there trying to devour us and whisper in our ears that we are nothing, it was all our fault or go ahead and give up. The enemy wants us to think that no one cares, but the powerful message the author gives shows us that God is there. He does care and He will help you .

Four girls who come from different backgrounds, join together to fight against the enemy. I thought it was a good example of how strong we are together vs fighting by ourselves. Be warned that the book does not hold back and talks about issues that need to be addressed. Its time to stand up and fight instead of turning our backs on each other.

I like how the author delivers a powerful story about four girls each dealing with something such as anxiety, bullying, bulimia, alcoholism, divorce and incest. The book has powerful words to encourage each of us to fight and never give up. I liked how these four unlikely friends band together to reach out to God for help. The story is one that made me angry at times and cry at others. One of the best parts of the story for me was when someone shared with a youth group about her trauma of sexual abuse. It is a testimony to help others who are struggling to know that they are not alone. I have always said that I wouldn't change one thing about my life. The things I went through made me stronger. If my own testimony can reach one person, then it is all worth it for me.

"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Nancy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes on a lot. And I mean A LOT. 4 girls. 4 sets of very serious problems. A whole other dimension full of angels and demons battling it out for their souls.

If that sounds overwhelming, yes, it is. At times it was hard to keep up with all the girls and their families and friends. But as the story progressed, I was able to keep track better and get to know each one. Maybe the author made a mistake by having too many POVs, but she did a good job with it.

There is a spiritual battle going on around us. And while it may not look like it did in this book, it is a valuable reminder of the spiritual realm. It is important to remember that this is a fiction book, not teaching facts.

There are a lot of heavy topics covered here, so I would recommend this book for older or more mature teens, even though I know the younger teens can and do have these same issues. Incest, suicide, bulimia, and abuse are all addressed and could possibly be triggering. I hate having to say this because I feel that so many young readers struggle secretly with these devastating problems, and they need to hear the truth. But some discretion is needed, and it may be case sensitive.

Lindsey does lace the story throughout with hope, and she emphasizes the power of prayer. While our poor characters fight overwhelming battles, there is a light at the end.

This is a book that needed to be written, even if it is confusing at points and possibly too raw for some people. But I believe we need to combat sin by bringing it to light instead of being silent on the matter. I applaud the author for boldly speaking the truth and declaring God's word throughout.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be a YA (young adult) novel but this “old” adult thoroughly enjoyed this book. It woke up somethings in my that have been sleeping. Like the power of prayer and the fact that we have an enemy that wants to steal our identity and confuse us and take us away from who God has called us to be.

This book does not shy away from tough topics and I appreciated that the author put a trigger warning at the beginning. This book could bring froth some things that girls/women have kept hidden and they aren’t pretty.

I loved that fact that there were characters sharing their testimony so they could help others, this is what the church should look like.

If you like books such as Frank Peretti’s I think you will enjoy this one as well. I hope to read more in this series.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very real characters face very real life circumstances and challenges, each with their own support system and method of coping. This is not a light nor easy read although this story is remarkable because of the clearly demonstrated understanding of the anxieties, hopes, fears and experiences of this group of young people and their families. No one comes through life unscathed, and this story offers the author’s view of the very real battle raging between the spiritual forces of good and evil. Parents, grandparents and youth staff are encouraged to read this book and use it as a springboard for discussion with the teens in their lives.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book took me a bit to get into. The switching perspectives and number of characters but the author did a good job of bringing them all together. There are some seriously hard topics in this book that every parent should know about. I loved the angels/demons and how realistic the situations were. We may not see either of the entities, but they are there with us, good and bad.

It is a YA book, and I think if they are mature enough, most should read this. I know a lot of kids go through the bullying, eating disorders, and just questions in general about everything but especially about faith. The book makes you stop and think and that is good.

Overall it was a 4/5 for me.



Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Stephanie Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckie Lindsey's book Secrets takes on four high school students, Mackenzie, Sadie, Tammy, and Krystal. It shows the struggles teens go through. For example, depression, sexual drama, and even suicide. We see the girls go through spiritual warfare. Lindsey does an amazing job intertwining all four of these girls experiences together. Her writing was descriptive, vivid and emotional. I could relate a little to these girls. The struggle with demons is real. This is not only a great book for teens but adults could relate and find the book to be interesting. I know I had a hard time putting it down. It was so interesting reading about the battles of demons and angels. I could see this being made into a movie. I can't wait to read book #2.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets

When I seen the cover and read the back of the book I wasn’t sure how I would like it. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Once I got into the book before I knew I was almost done. This is first in a series, I am ready for the next book.

The book involves 4 high school girls, Mackenzie and Krystal have in common the track and competing to see can ran the fastest. Tammi and Sadie have preforming in common. All four have some kind of secret in their life. This is an very inspiring book and the author does a great job in covering issues that sometimes happen.

I received an complementary copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

[Kim Slye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, snarky fun

Meet four high girls and one guy who all have different challenges in their personal lives with the same desire to keep it secret. Learning to see their likenesses instead of their differences and beginning to trust one another is the basis for friendship. Identifying the spiritual and investigating God concepts in the middle of the challenges add another layer of complexity. Yet still the dialog is full of snarky banter and fun that makes it relatable.

[Chaz Marin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for young girls (teenagers) that are dealing with emotional baggage. It was encouraging to hear that we all go through crap in our lives and we can get rid our "secrets" and receive healing by helping and being supportive of one another. The author tackles some sensitive issues without getting too graphic. Great faith based book. Jesus is definitely the answer!

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good story for young adult girls. This is a story of secrets that are causing each of these young girls to have demons surrounding them. They hopefully will pray to God for help from the angels to save them. Can these four girls get help from their secrets. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wise trigger warning in front pages. This no punches pulled YA novel is difficult, but realistic to what our youth- even our Christian youth are facing. Much harder than Screwtape, parents might want to pre-read. I imagine great discussion would follow. Talk about it!!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to Come :)