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Circle of Secrets
Meet Helen-an older woman, who enjoys her part-time work at the local hospital where her husband is a doctor. Ghosts of her past haunt her and when a secret is revealed, she must push past the pain to forgive and piece together a puzzle in order to find what she’s looking for.
Meet Marissa-a woman in her thirties, single parent to Sophia. She loves to teach but is haunted by the clock slowly ticking away due to her failing health. When a secret is revealed, she must figure out what it means before her time runs out.
Helen and Marissa are total strangers but one thing connects them—family secrets. Their mysterious pasts intertwine and they don’t know it until a family secret reveals that everything they’d once known was a lie. Now, they must fight their own battles to figure out the truth, before it’s too late for one of them.
Meet Marissa-a woman in her thirties, single parent to Sophia. She loves to teach but is haunted by the clock slowly ticking away due to her failing health. When a secret is revealed, she must figure out what it means before her time runs out.
Helen and Marissa are total strangers but one thing connects them—family secrets. Their mysterious pasts intertwine and they don’t know it until a family secret reveals that everything they’d once known was a lie. Now, they must fight their own battles to figure out the truth, before it’s too late for one of them.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
15 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Tisdale
15 books35 followersLauren Tisdale discovered her love of writing through a serendipitous turn of events, which led her on a journey of self-discovery through the stories she weaves for her readers. Although she writes in multiple genres, Lauren is a romantic at heart. From paranormal romance to romantic comedy, you can find an array of options from this author. Lauren's voice as an author is growing into a force to be reckoned with. She is filled with stories that need to be told and characters who give her glimpses into new worlds. Join in with many other readers seeking an adventure of the heart, and get lost between the pages.
Follow her on Facebook at Lauren Tisdale - Author
Follow her on Facebook at Lauren Tisdale - Author
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 5, 2014
Circle of Secrets is Lauren Tisdale debut book and it is one fabulous debut if I may say so myself. I LOVED this book. I was so captivated by this book that I could not put it down. Ms. Tisdale has written a very intriguing story with so many twists that I could not read fast enough to find out what was going to be revealed next!
Helen has a loving husband, 2 great sons whom gave her a couple of great daughters-in-law, and some really adorable grand kids. She also has a father that develops some serious health problems and reveals a secret from Helen's past that she never would have expected. This sets her off on a mission. I'm not going to tell you what the mission is, you really, really need to read this book to find out. It's fabulous!!!!
Marissa has a very serious health problem that she is dealing with. She is a single mother raising a very smart and adorable daughter, Sophia. She also has very loving parents and some wonderful friends that are there for her when ever she needs help. Marissa meets a wonderful man while dealing with her illness. I don't want to tell you too much here either but he is a wonderful, kind, caring, supportive man that is full of great qualities that Marissa really needs in her life. I loved how caring he is and what all he is willing to do to help Marissa. I loved watching their romance grow and there is a few really sweet love scenes between these two.
Marissa finds out a secret from her past as well, it is totally unexpected and she sets out on a mission of her own. Once again, I don't want to tell you too much here. I don't want to spoil the story for you because this is one story I highly recommend to everyone!
Lauren Tisdale has written a great story with a very interesting storyline that kept me completely captivated through the whole story. I suggest you keep Kleenex near by when reading this one. There are a lot of emotional scenes and I found myself crying many times. The characters are so well written that I became completely attached to them.
I can not wait to see what Lauren may come up with for her second book, I know that I certainly want a chance to read it though.
On the whole this is just a wonderful story. I highly recommend you use the link and go grab your copy right now, don't wait, hurry and grab this book so you too may start devouring this wonderful story.
I was given the wonderful opportunity to read this book so that I may share my opinion with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thought with you on Circle of Secrets.
Helen has a loving husband, 2 great sons whom gave her a couple of great daughters-in-law, and some really adorable grand kids. She also has a father that develops some serious health problems and reveals a secret from Helen's past that she never would have expected. This sets her off on a mission. I'm not going to tell you what the mission is, you really, really need to read this book to find out. It's fabulous!!!!
Marissa has a very serious health problem that she is dealing with. She is a single mother raising a very smart and adorable daughter, Sophia. She also has very loving parents and some wonderful friends that are there for her when ever she needs help. Marissa meets a wonderful man while dealing with her illness. I don't want to tell you too much here either but he is a wonderful, kind, caring, supportive man that is full of great qualities that Marissa really needs in her life. I loved how caring he is and what all he is willing to do to help Marissa. I loved watching their romance grow and there is a few really sweet love scenes between these two.
Marissa finds out a secret from her past as well, it is totally unexpected and she sets out on a mission of her own. Once again, I don't want to tell you too much here. I don't want to spoil the story for you because this is one story I highly recommend to everyone!
Lauren Tisdale has written a great story with a very interesting storyline that kept me completely captivated through the whole story. I suggest you keep Kleenex near by when reading this one. There are a lot of emotional scenes and I found myself crying many times. The characters are so well written that I became completely attached to them.
I can not wait to see what Lauren may come up with for her second book, I know that I certainly want a chance to read it though.
On the whole this is just a wonderful story. I highly recommend you use the link and go grab your copy right now, don't wait, hurry and grab this book so you too may start devouring this wonderful story.
I was given the wonderful opportunity to read this book so that I may share my opinion with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thought with you on Circle of Secrets.
May 3, 2016
Now where to begin? It may have taken me some time to sit down and read this book. But i needed to be in the right frame of mind...But WOW! I was captivated by the first page, the story just drew my in from the first word. I had to go and sit somewhere quiet where no one would disturb me, I love this book, it had me in tears, it shows that epic love exists.
I absolutely loved Carlos <
Lauren Tisdale had written a piece of magical art and one that you will want to be apart of and wish that you had sooner. I know that I certainly did. She created a world where you could fall down the rabbit hole and join the brilliant characters of her first ever novel. I feel like I got to know the characters in a way that I didn't expect. The back story is so well thought out and the secrets? Well let's just say I thought I had them discovered but I was wrong, they totally blew me out of the water. I did not suspect them at all, and this is why you should read this book.
The characters are amazingly written its hard not to fall in love with them, I know that I did, and one in particular. But I am not going to say who, you will just have to read for yourself.
I cannot wait to read her next book to see what new secrets that she has to reveal. It is hell waiting, but I know that it will be worth the wait.
I highly recommend that you go and follow that link to her profile and buy this book. I know that you will not regret it, she will have you hooked on this book from the first page. You will want more as I do now.
So go and put your slippers on, get something to drink and grab a box of those tissues cause you are going to need them. Trust me.
So go and read this book!
I absolutely loved Carlos <
Lauren Tisdale had written a piece of magical art and one that you will want to be apart of and wish that you had sooner. I know that I certainly did. She created a world where you could fall down the rabbit hole and join the brilliant characters of her first ever novel. I feel like I got to know the characters in a way that I didn't expect. The back story is so well thought out and the secrets? Well let's just say I thought I had them discovered but I was wrong, they totally blew me out of the water. I did not suspect them at all, and this is why you should read this book.
The characters are amazingly written its hard not to fall in love with them, I know that I did, and one in particular. But I am not going to say who, you will just have to read for yourself.
I cannot wait to read her next book to see what new secrets that she has to reveal. It is hell waiting, but I know that it will be worth the wait.
I highly recommend that you go and follow that link to her profile and buy this book. I know that you will not regret it, she will have you hooked on this book from the first page. You will want more as I do now.
So go and put your slippers on, get something to drink and grab a box of those tissues cause you are going to need them. Trust me.
So go and read this book!
December 14, 2013
Sometimes you just run up on a book that challenges your emotions and your mind. If a story can make me laugh, cry, rage, smile, sing and long for more, it’s a keeper. This author’s debut novel is full of wonderful depth and passion that leaves you yearning for more of…everything. Full of wit, drama and love, she is able to successfully navigate between her characters without missing a beat and because of her obvious love for what she’s doing and who she’s created from the fertile clay of her imagination, she manages to make you see all they are, through their eyes. Not your own. And that is the mark of the truly great author. I look forward to Ms. Tisdale’s next literary offering. World, prepare for literary domination by this gal!
November 17, 2014
With the ability to make readers go through various emotions, from happiness to sadness to anger to hopeful, author Lauren Tisdale crafts an engaging story about how ghosts of the past can catch up with you, and about the consequences of keeping secrets.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 25, 2024
I’m not sure where to begin. I have never read a book with so much horrendous details. Minute by minute movements of the characters… Here is an example: “She closed and locked the door to the house, turning off the porch lights and going into the family room to take a seat next to her husband in her regular place. He had his recliner, she had hers. As he switched on the television they began to talk about what to watch that Sunday night. ‘I heard there is a game tonight,’ he suggested. She smiled and nodded.” I am on the edge of my seat with the suspense of whether they will watch the game or do something incredibly daring...like get up and trot to the bathroom. It just gets more exciting by the minutiae minute. My favorite scene is the tub scene:”She turned the knobs of the faucet and the water began to run into the tub. (shocking) Placing the stopper in the drain, she gathered her night clothes and towel. Setting her clothes on the bed, she walked back into the bathroom and draped her towel over the edge of the shower door. After undressing and pouring a little of her aromatherapy liquid into the running water, she stepped in and placed the bottle back on the shelf before slowly sitting into the hot water.” I’m so glad she is neat and tidy. I just couldn’t go on. Way, way, way too much minute detail that really doesn’t go anywhere. Two main characters who are dealing with discovering painful secrets from their past. Their stories are told simultaneously...that alone can be confusing. But in chapter one, 14 different characters are introduced...what? I had to grab a pen and paper just to try to keep them straight - and that’s just the first character’s story - Helen. Character two - Marissa is a whole nother ball of wax. Tisdale had a good idea, but the loquacious writing slowed the pace to a turtle crawl...I found myself skimming and still following along with the general plot. Tisdale desperately needs a brave editor.
November 16, 2022
Circle of Secrets is the debut book of author, Lauren Tisdale. I am just starting my journey into this author's books. I am rating this one as a solid 3 stars.
It is the story of two women who learn about past secrets that have been kept from them. This book followers their journey of discovering the truth and dealing with all of the consequences of those truths.
I enjoyed the storyline, but will say that it was not what I was expecting after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover. I was anticipating this to be more of a thriller and way more suspenseful than it was. That being said, the story was good and kept my interest. I felt a little disconnected from the characters because most of them seemed to be a little too perfect. They handled the discovery a bit too perfectly, and I missed feeling the angst of the females leads when they learn about the big secret. They learned about it, and then just dealt with it and moved one gracefully. I am not sure how realistic that is, but maybe people are like that. Personally, I certainly would have been screaming and carrying on way more! The plot was a bit predictable and there were not any big twists, but if you are looking for a feel good book to read, this is probably a good choice for you! I think it was a good first book for the author, and I expect the next ones will only get better from here.
It is the story of two women who learn about past secrets that have been kept from them. This book followers their journey of discovering the truth and dealing with all of the consequences of those truths.
I enjoyed the storyline, but will say that it was not what I was expecting after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover. I was anticipating this to be more of a thriller and way more suspenseful than it was. That being said, the story was good and kept my interest. I felt a little disconnected from the characters because most of them seemed to be a little too perfect. They handled the discovery a bit too perfectly, and I missed feeling the angst of the females leads when they learn about the big secret. They learned about it, and then just dealt with it and moved one gracefully. I am not sure how realistic that is, but maybe people are like that. Personally, I certainly would have been screaming and carrying on way more! The plot was a bit predictable and there were not any big twists, but if you are looking for a feel good book to read, this is probably a good choice for you! I think it was a good first book for the author, and I expect the next ones will only get better from here.
October 17, 2019
The basic premise of the book could have made for an interesting enough story but oh good grief soooooo long winded and badly written. All these perfect people and polite, clever, well-mannered children just added to my irritation. The dialogue was mostly dreadful. Real people don't say "come, let us go to the beach, we will have a picnic" they say "let's go to the beach for a picnic" (not a direct quote from the book just an example of the clunky overly formal language) the overly formal verbiage followed up by something like 'she took a whiff of the perfume'. I think some authors should have a couple of friends role play and read the dialogue aloud to see how it sounds!
Everything was over-the-top and exaggerated; nobody in the book had a normal relationship, everybody loved and was loved to the point of angels on clouds playing harps 24/7!
Of course, in the end everything one expects to happen, happens. Very predictable.
Could have been edited and at least 30% of the book cut.
Everything was over-the-top and exaggerated; nobody in the book had a normal relationship, everybody loved and was loved to the point of angels on clouds playing harps 24/7!
Of course, in the end everything one expects to happen, happens. Very predictable.
Could have been edited and at least 30% of the book cut.
February 14, 2019
Ok so I’m not really the reader type, but I was told by a few friends that this Author was good and that “Circle of Secrets” was a must read. So I started reading it, and just like that I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I absolutely loved it. By the end of the book I felt as if the characters were real life people. I wanted more and more even after I finished the book. I am now on another book that author Lauren Tisdale wrote called “The Awakening” and so far again I can’t put it down. I think I have turned into the reader type. I can’t wait to see what more Author Lauren Tisdale has in store.
October 10, 2019
Poorly written numerous repeats of phrases almost like a song chorus.
This is a novel I didn’t enjoy; I’m surprised I was able to slog through to the end. The author repeated paragraphs several times.
The author write thus novel through the voice of two of the 2 women gave the “Secret” away from the beginning. It also seemed the writer wanted to ensure the readers knew the novel was a Christian novel - almost beating the reader over the head with it.
Could have been a nice easy read.
This is a novel I didn’t enjoy; I’m surprised I was able to slog through to the end. The author repeated paragraphs several times.
The author write thus novel through the voice of two of the 2 women gave the “Secret” away from the beginning. It also seemed the writer wanted to ensure the readers knew the novel was a Christian novel - almost beating the reader over the head with it.
Could have been a nice easy read.
August 14, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! It made me laugh and cry. A true romance book. I could relate to the characters which is something that captures my attention. I loved that the story was told by Helen and Marissa. It was sad that it took Joseph so long to tell Helen the truth. Same for Mike telling Marissa. Carlos and Ty seemed like great men. Both Marissa and Helen was lucky to find such wonderful men. I highly recommend this book. It's not your typical romance book.
February 12, 2020
I found this to be more of a romance novel than the suspence of uncovering secrets that the summary indicated it would be. If you like mushy, cliche love stories then this may be your cup of tea.
Pro's:
Feel good story
Relatively easy to listen to audiobook
Con's:
Long winded descriptions that didn't add value to the story
Dialogue format left a lot to be desired
Predictable outcomes, no twists or turns
Pro's:
Feel good story
Relatively easy to listen to audiobook
Con's:
Long winded descriptions that didn't add value to the story
Dialogue format left a lot to be desired
Predictable outcomes, no twists or turns
September 7, 2019
I loved this book! The story pulled me in and I was completely engrossed from the first page until the last. This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions, from laughter to tears. It is well written, with an intriguing storyline and compelling characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
July 26, 2019
Always had me wanting more!! Such a good book! You will cry and laugh!!
September 8, 2019
Not your typical romance novel, I absolutely loved this book, I laughed and cried, it pulled me in and I was completely entrapped from beginning to end!!! A definite must read!!!
October 8, 2018
Now where to begin? It may have taken me some time to sit down and read this book. But i needed to be in the right frame of mind...But WOW! I was captivated by the first page, the story just drew my in from the first word. I had to go and sit somewhere quiet where no one would disturb me, I love this book, it had me in tears, it shows that epic love exists.
I absolutely loved Carlos <
Lauren Tisdale had written a piece of magical art and one that you will want to be apart of and wish that you had sooner. I know that I certainly did. She created a world where you could fall down the rabbit hole and join the brilliant characters of her first ever novel. I feel like I got to know the characters in a way that I didn't expect. The back story is so well thought out and the secrets? Well let's just say I thought I had them discovered but I was wrong, they totally blew me out of the water. I did not suspect them at all, and this is why you should read this book.
The characters are amazingly written its hard not to fall in love with them, I know that I did, and one in particular. But I am not going to say who, you will just have to read for yourself.
I cannot wait to read her next book to see what new secrets that she has to reveal. It is hell waiting, but I know that it will be worth the wait.
I highly recommend that you go and follow that link to her profile and buy this book. I know that you will not regret it, she will have you hooked on this book from the first page. You will want more as I do now.
So go and put your slippers on, get something to drink and grab a box of those tissues cause you are going to need them. Trust me.
So go and read this book!
I absolutely loved Carlos <
Lauren Tisdale had written a piece of magical art and one that you will want to be apart of and wish that you had sooner. I know that I certainly did. She created a world where you could fall down the rabbit hole and join the brilliant characters of her first ever novel. I feel like I got to know the characters in a way that I didn't expect. The back story is so well thought out and the secrets? Well let's just say I thought I had them discovered but I was wrong, they totally blew me out of the water. I did not suspect them at all, and this is why you should read this book.
The characters are amazingly written its hard not to fall in love with them, I know that I did, and one in particular. But I am not going to say who, you will just have to read for yourself.
I cannot wait to read her next book to see what new secrets that she has to reveal. It is hell waiting, but I know that it will be worth the wait.
I highly recommend that you go and follow that link to her profile and buy this book. I know that you will not regret it, she will have you hooked on this book from the first page. You will want more as I do now.
So go and put your slippers on, get something to drink and grab a box of those tissues cause you are going to need them. Trust me.
So go and read this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews