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Temple Secrets #2
Gullah Secrets
A family legacy in danger. A stranger in their midst. Do they have the strength to survive the gathering storm of secrets?
For the Temple women, the winds of change are blowing. And if they’re not careful, it could sweep them all away…
After rising from Temple servant to tea shop owner, Violet finally feels in charge of her destiny. While learning Gullah folk magic from her aging grandmother, she worries much of her cultural heritage will be lost to the grave. Is there enough time for Old Sally to pass down all her special wisdom?
Bride-to-be Queenie has never felt younger at heart. Engaged to the man of her dreams, the feisty sixty-year-old won’t let anything ruin her big day—not even ancestral ghosts or a mysterious wedding crasher.
Rose’s southern roots run deep. Even after three decades away, she can still feel the shadow of her deceased high-society mother watching her every move. Can she shake her ghost and find a place among her family?
With a storm of trouble brewing across the island, the Temple women will have to survive more than a force of nature to put their ghosts to rest…
Gullah Secrets is the sequel to the bestselling novel Temple Secrets. If you like Southern gothic literature, characters you won’t want to close the cover on, and locations steeped in history, then you’ll love this hilarious and warmhearted saga.
Buy Gullah Secrets today to unlock a compelling tale of family ties and tempests!326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2018
754 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Susan Gabriel
15 books194 followersSusan Gabriel is an acclaimed southern author who lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Her novels, The Secret Sense of Wildflower (a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2012) and Temple Secrets (2015) are Amazon and Nook #1 bestsellers.
Find out more about Susan and her other novels at www.SusanGabriel.com.
Easiest place to contact:
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGabriel...
Find out more about Susan and her other novels at www.SusanGabriel.com.
Easiest place to contact:
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGabriel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 12, 2019
Secret no more
Susan Gabriel is not secret: she is an outstanding writer. However, in order to understand the beauty and depth of this book, you MUST read Temple Secrets first. The crafting and artisanship of each polished gem of a word is, in part, its propinquity and relationship to the first novel. They stand so brightly lit only side by side, although I have read other Gabriel books without this requirement. Okay. Wait. Except for one thing.
I've been in four out of five of the biggest and best hurricanes of the twentieth century along the Gulf Coast, and Ms. Gabriel, you've got it locked on what it felt like 👍👍👍👍! That wasn't novel material for me, that was factual. The last time just before my father died was as bad as the first, as foreknowledge does not help when you face all that water and what baggage it is bringing. It was as though Gabriel was there with us, and that is fine writing! Even better, you drew me in so that I was there on Dolphin Island with your Temple family, singing gospel songs during the hurricane, feeling the timeless stillness of the eye. As my father would have said: "That's writin' ya can EAT!"
Susan Gabriel is not secret: she is an outstanding writer. However, in order to understand the beauty and depth of this book, you MUST read Temple Secrets first. The crafting and artisanship of each polished gem of a word is, in part, its propinquity and relationship to the first novel. They stand so brightly lit only side by side, although I have read other Gabriel books without this requirement. Okay. Wait. Except for one thing.
I've been in four out of five of the biggest and best hurricanes of the twentieth century along the Gulf Coast, and Ms. Gabriel, you've got it locked on what it felt like 👍👍👍👍! That wasn't novel material for me, that was factual. The last time just before my father died was as bad as the first, as foreknowledge does not help when you face all that water and what baggage it is bringing. It was as though Gabriel was there with us, and that is fine writing! Even better, you drew me in so that I was there on Dolphin Island with your Temple family, singing gospel songs during the hurricane, feeling the timeless stillness of the eye. As my father would have said: "That's writin' ya can EAT!"
October 14, 2021
I so enjoyed this sequel to Temple Secrets. In fact, I enjoyed it more that its predecessor. I loved the glimpse into the Gullah culture and long to know more. The characters are special and memorable, especially Old Sally and Queenie. Also playing a major role in this story is Iris, Temple matriarch of the preceding book / Hurricane extraordinaire of this book. And Iris is quite the character! I was slightly bothered by some details but, all in all, this was a fun, compelling Southern Gothic read and I would gladly read a third in this series if it happens along!
September 7, 2021
Gullah Secrets: Temple Secrets Book 2 is written by Susan Gabriel. The story of the Temple family of Savannah continues in this book. It is two years after the fire destroyed the Temple mansion in Savannah. Violet chose to use the insurance money to add on to her grandmother’s place on Dolphin Island. With her grandmother’s approval, she asked her Mother Queenie, and her half-sister Rose and her husband Max, along with Rose’s daughter Katie and her partner Angela to all move in together. The house was large enough to hold all of them and more if needed. So, all the Temple family (black and white) except Edward’s wife Regina were under one roof.
Old Sally and the young priest of the Savannah Church were to preside at the wedding of Queenie and Stub Grainger. It was the first wedding for both of them even though they were in their sixties. Queenie insisted on a fairytale wedding on the beach. That was exactly what Rose and Violet created for her. It was only at the last minute that things began to go wrong. First, the groom was missing. Queenie said to go ahead because he would be at the altar. She trusted him. Then, as she was walking towards the aisle, she realized she was wrong on insisting on no music, she really wanted music; but it was too late. Then, as she and Old Sally reached the chairs and started down the aisle, Spud appeared from behind the dune with his saxophone playing a jazz rendition of “Here Comes the Bride”. Thus. Queenie’s wedding was a success.
However, three problems appeared on the horizon. First was the unexpected visit from Heather who claimed to be Edward’s illegitimate daughter. Since she looked exactly like her grandmother Iris, there wasn’t much doubt she was a Temple. What does she want though? Second, Hurricane Iris was barreling towards the Georgia coast with landfall the next morning on Dolphin Island and the road to the mainland is blocked. Third, Katie’s child decided that it should be born at this time. They couldn’t get to a hospital or birthing center and only Old Sally had ever delivered a baby and she is 102 years old!
Old Sally and the young priest of the Savannah Church were to preside at the wedding of Queenie and Stub Grainger. It was the first wedding for both of them even though they were in their sixties. Queenie insisted on a fairytale wedding on the beach. That was exactly what Rose and Violet created for her. It was only at the last minute that things began to go wrong. First, the groom was missing. Queenie said to go ahead because he would be at the altar. She trusted him. Then, as she was walking towards the aisle, she realized she was wrong on insisting on no music, she really wanted music; but it was too late. Then, as she and Old Sally reached the chairs and started down the aisle, Spud appeared from behind the dune with his saxophone playing a jazz rendition of “Here Comes the Bride”. Thus. Queenie’s wedding was a success.
However, three problems appeared on the horizon. First was the unexpected visit from Heather who claimed to be Edward’s illegitimate daughter. Since she looked exactly like her grandmother Iris, there wasn’t much doubt she was a Temple. What does she want though? Second, Hurricane Iris was barreling towards the Georgia coast with landfall the next morning on Dolphin Island and the road to the mainland is blocked. Third, Katie’s child decided that it should be born at this time. They couldn’t get to a hospital or birthing center and only Old Sally had ever delivered a baby and she is 102 years old!
June 9, 2021
Loved this sequel to Temple Secrets in the series. Again, lots of wonderful references to Savannah's famous ghost stories, old family and secrets. The family enters a new era in the wake of Iris Temple's death and the loss of the old family mansion. Moving to Dolphin Island to live on the beach as their Gullah ancestors did adds a new flavor to their lives. They live into their changing world and accept Old Sally's leadership following her advice for everything from wedding plans to hurricane preparation. And new family members present themselves with more mystery about the book of secrets and how they continued even after Iris's death. Savannah is a mysterious place so enjoy this story of family and intrigue.
September 28, 2022
When someone you love dies, grief comes like a hurricane and threatens to destroy you. But grief isn’t bad,” she continues. “Grief means you’ve loved someone with your whole heart. Love and grief go hand in hand. There’s no other way.”
Poignant, appropriate for hurricane season, and family centered, Susan Gabriel captured my interest and my heart again with Gullah Secrets. She understands that no matter how old you are when you lose your mother or how rich your mother’s life was, her passing leaves a void that nothing will replace. She also understands that grief and joy often come hand in hand or on one another’s heels, and that determining what you value in life is fundamental to living fully.
Poignant, appropriate for hurricane season, and family centered, Susan Gabriel captured my interest and my heart again with Gullah Secrets. She understands that no matter how old you are when you lose your mother or how rich your mother’s life was, her passing leaves a void that nothing will replace. She also understands that grief and joy often come hand in hand or on one another’s heels, and that determining what you value in life is fundamental to living fully.
January 21, 2020
Gullah Secrets continues the stories from the Temple Family. Ms Gabriel has done a superb job of characterizing each person and the stories of their time. It’s filled with life, love and sadly tragedy at times. But also humor and hope. I feel as one with these characters. Having traveled in the low country many times I can visualize the landscape and its beauty. Gullah Secrets has also brought to life memories from my childhood with my grandparents and their home; my aunts and uncles; and the celebrations of life and grieving the loss of family and friends. Temple Secrets and Gullah Secrets are two books I could enjoy reading again.
November 6, 2020
Susan, I just wanted you to know how much I love your books and the way you write. 💕😊 I just finished Gullah Secrets and don't want to part with it. When I read your message at the end about not writing any more books on these characters, I teared up. 😌 I just love the way you drew me into their lives from the first book, 'Temple Secrets' 'and I will so miss them!
I live in and am from Mississippi, so I love the 'southern' stories you tell. I have read some of your other books as well, so you are definitely one of my favorite authors!
Keep on with the talent you have and I look forward to catching up with the Wildflower series.
I live in and am from Mississippi, so I love the 'southern' stories you tell. I have read some of your other books as well, so you are definitely one of my favorite authors!
Keep on with the talent you have and I look forward to catching up with the Wildflower series.
September 20, 2019
Unbelievable story
This sequel is a page turner. I could not put this book down. So many surprising twists and turns that you don’t see coming!! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see what happens but part of me did not want the story to end. The characters jump off the page and into your heart like old friends. I miss them already. Will probably reread this wonderful book to visit them again❤️
This sequel is a page turner. I could not put this book down. So many surprising twists and turns that you don’t see coming!! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see what happens but part of me did not want the story to end. The characters jump off the page and into your heart like old friends. I miss them already. Will probably reread this wonderful book to visit them again❤️
November 13, 2019
Mullah Secrets
I stumbled across Temple Secrets when just browsing and tell i n love with the characters and know I had to read Gullah Secrets. This is a great book about Southern folklore that is more prevalent than people know. I grew up in Natchez MS where we heard tales of Gullah beliefs as Creole beliefs which are very similar. I was sad to read this is the last of this series but look forward to reading more of this authors work.
I stumbled across Temple Secrets when just browsing and tell i n love with the characters and know I had to read Gullah Secrets. This is a great book about Southern folklore that is more prevalent than people know. I grew up in Natchez MS where we heard tales of Gullah beliefs as Creole beliefs which are very similar. I was sad to read this is the last of this series but look forward to reading more of this authors work.
April 10, 2020
This is the sequel to Temple Secrets, a book that surprised me because I like it so much. Not my usual kind of book with its ghosts, spirits and a little Gullah magic mixed in. It’s the story of a family who share the blood of a powerful and affluent white man, his wife and children and the Gullah servants that worked for them all their lives in Savannah, GA. It redefines what family means. Both books were very well written, fast reads and very engaging!
July 6, 2020
A second book in the series by Susan Gabriel.
A delightful read this island with colorful characters that give a full experience off the coast of Georgia on Dolphin Island.
For Many generations this island was home to the Gullah people. Africans who were brought to America as slaves, gathered and created a community on Dolphin Island after they were freed .
The story of their unique and mystical culture. Top it off being captive on the island in the middle of a hurricane. Wonderful read.
A delightful read this island with colorful characters that give a full experience off the coast of Georgia on Dolphin Island.
For Many generations this island was home to the Gullah people. Africans who were brought to America as slaves, gathered and created a community on Dolphin Island after they were freed .
The story of their unique and mystical culture. Top it off being captive on the island in the middle of a hurricane. Wonderful read.
May 13, 2021
My rating is a 4.5. I loved this book. It’s the second book in the series and it is a wonderful continuation of the tale of the Temole family in Savannah through the years. The setting on Dolphin Island was beautifully described and an important character in the novel. So many colorful characters and a story of secrets -rebirth -race and family —a truly inviting story. And the climactic ending is not to be missed. Definitely recommend it
May 27, 2019
3.5. An excellent book that makes me want to read the 1st in the Temple Secret series, and more by Susan Gabriel. Being raised in the South, and studying Gullah culture, I appreciate and relate to the characters/family, and love the culture. I would have given the book a higher rating, but I found it a little slow reading at times, but still an enticing read.
June 11, 2019
This was such great story about life and death and passing of traditions I loved that Queenie found love at 60 to show you can find it at any age . The coming to gether as a family regardless of race age and sexual orientation that love and friendship bonded them together the group persevered thur all the trials and tribulations
July 29, 2019
A Fantastic Sequel to Temple Secrets.
I did not dislike anything about this book. I read Temple Secrets and was so glad to continue to follow the characters in that book into the new one. This book is so interesting and hard to put down. I think other readers will feel the same. I highly recommend this book.
I did not dislike anything about this book. I read Temple Secrets and was so glad to continue to follow the characters in that book into the new one. This book is so interesting and hard to put down. I think other readers will feel the same. I highly recommend this book.
October 20, 2019
Susan Gabriel hits another home run
If you want an enjoyable read, please read this story. Hate to see this end. Of course all books have an ending and this was one that the you knew would end strong. The women in this book, made you understand what it takes to live the life of caring and strong women.
If you want an enjoyable read, please read this story. Hate to see this end. Of course all books have an ending and this was one that the you knew would end strong. The women in this book, made you understand what it takes to live the life of caring and strong women.
December 24, 2019
Excellent follow up to Temple Secrets
This picks up where Temple Secrets ended. I loved the characters. They are so well developed that you'd swear you knew them. What I wouldn't give to have a conversation with Old Sally! The description of the hurricane was so realistic i could almost feel the wind. I'm sorry to see these characters and this story finished. Loved this book!
This picks up where Temple Secrets ended. I loved the characters. They are so well developed that you'd swear you knew them. What I wouldn't give to have a conversation with Old Sally! The description of the hurricane was so realistic i could almost feel the wind. I'm sorry to see these characters and this story finished. Loved this book!
January 13, 2020
Two Wonderful Books
I bought Temple Secrets and Gullah Secrets at the same time because I knew I would want to go straight from one to the next. These two books were absolutely enthralling from page one. Only thing I would want would be a third book. The characters were family in that I would claim all of them!
I bought Temple Secrets and Gullah Secrets at the same time because I knew I would want to go straight from one to the next. These two books were absolutely enthralling from page one. Only thing I would want would be a third book. The characters were family in that I would claim all of them!
April 6, 2020
Good follow up to Temple Secrets. It shows how sometime the family we choose is far better than the family we are born into.
I had an Old Sally of sorts in my life, her name was Ida and she was always sticking something in my book bag before I went to school to keep me safe and well and I was always safe and never got sick.
I had an Old Sally of sorts in my life, her name was Ida and she was always sticking something in my book bag before I went to school to keep me safe and well and I was always safe and never got sick.
May 5, 2021
This was a super fast read for me, and was a sequel to Temple Secrets. The put together family is living on Dolphin Island on land of Ole Sally-a Gullah matriarch with spiritual powers of her ancestors. A hurricane is a main character described so well by the author. I am looking forward to the next chapter
January 27, 2019
Love this story and it’s characters! Very interesting Gullah culture woven into the story. Highly recommend this book and the first book in the series- Temple Secrets. Southern fiction at it’s finest!
February 14, 2019
A love story
A great book that reveals how love 💘not erotic love but family love can exist through generations, and love of land and of God allows our ancestors to guide us and carry us into the next life.
A great book that reveals how love 💘not erotic love but family love can exist through generations, and love of land and of God allows our ancestors to guide us and carry us into the next life.
December 4, 2019
Gullah Secrets
I fell in love with Old Sally. She left me with such a peaceful feeling in all the chaos. I would like to have someone like her in my family. I can't get enough of Gullah tradition and stories. I am so glad she passed them to Violet
I fell in love with Old Sally. She left me with such a peaceful feeling in all the chaos. I would like to have someone like her in my family. I can't get enough of Gullah tradition and stories. I am so glad she passed them to Violet
December 20, 2019
Easy read
Repetitive. Love the family. Especially Old Sally. The south and the traditions of the generations living together in compatible
comfort was inspiring. The book never lived up to what it
could be.
Repetitive. Love the family. Especially Old Sally. The south and the traditions of the generations living together in compatible
comfort was inspiring. The book never lived up to what it
could be.
March 1, 2020
Satisfying
I read Temple Secret a and this back to back. I loved the continuation of the family stories but would have loved it the Adam character line had been added. Satisfying read
I read Temple Secret a and this back to back. I loved the continuation of the family stories but would have loved it the Adam character line had been added. Satisfying read
July 16, 2020
This is not the sequel to Temple Secrets. Temple Secrets is the prequel to Gullah Secrets. I consider it this way because we just really got an introduction to the characters in Temple Secrets. They came alive in Gullah Secrets! Loved the book!!
February 17, 2021
Loved the first book in this series, this one not so much. Too much rehashing from the first book and no additional character development. Good description of what being in the path of a hurricane is like, but it isn’t enough to fix the story for me.
June 17, 2021
Loved this book, it’s characters, setting and story! The beloved cast from Temple Secrets continue their lives with family and faith as a focus in this 2nd book in the series. The author is gifted and her craft of written imagery is amazing. Loved every chapter!
June 28, 2023
This is a sequel. I loved the first one so much I couldn’t wait to read this one! It takes place in the south. It covers a family legacy and the spirit world. It covers the Gullah history of this amazing family where the oldest members is sharing her secrets and Gullah magic with a new generation
November 16, 2018
I enjoyed this book Susan is a very good story teller. A great mix of people to keep up.with. The Gullah is interesting. Devious people always makes a story good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews