The Secrets Mothers Keep

by Jacquie Underdown

In the enchanting landscapes of Tasmania, "The Secrets Mothers Keep" unravels a captivating tale of three generations bound by a shared purpose—to restore the family manor into a charming bed and breakfast. But beneath the surface lies a lifetime of concealed truths that threaten to tear them apart.Mary, the matriarch scarred by a tumultuous past, made a vow to shield her family from pain and betrayal. Bound by a long-held secret, she believed she was protecting them. However, as the family gathers under one roof and the renovations stir the echoes of the past, the very foundation of her hidden truth begins to crumble.In a compelling exploration of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of keeping secrets, "The Secrets Mothers Keep" delves into the tangled web of deception that has shaped this family's destiny. As the truth emerges, Mary realizes that her well-intentioned silence has inflicted deep wounds upon them all.Can the unveiling of long-guarded secrets be the catalyst for healing, or will it drive them further apart? Discover the power of truth and the complexity of family bonds in this captivating novel, crafted with masterful storytelling and an irresistible blend of mystery and emotion.Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania as secrets unravel, and generations confront the legacy of the past. "The Secrets Mothers Keep" is a spellbinding journey that will keep you guessing until the final revelation—a must-read for fans of family sagas and emotionally charged storytelling.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Family

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2019

About the author

Jacquie Underdown is an Australian author celebrated for her gripping psychological thrillers and deeply emotive romance novels. Whether she’s exploring the darkest corners of the human mind or the tender vulnerabilities of the heart, Jacquie’s storytelling is immersive, visceral, and unforgettable.

Based in the steamy heart of Central Queensland—where the heat is relentless and the air hangs thick with humidity—Jacquie finds inspiration in the tension between extremes. Her thrillers delve into manipulation, power, and control, while her romances offer catharsis, healing, and the redemptive power of love.

Over a decade ago, Jacquie left behind her business career to pursue writing full time. Since then, she has published over a million words across novels, novellas, and short stories. Her novel Bittersweet was a finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia’s Romantic Book of the Year Awards.

Jacquie holds a Master of Letters in Creative Writing and brings literary precision to every book she writes—whether it’s a slow-burning psychological descent or an emotionally charged love story.

To explore the full range of her work, visit: www.jacquieunderdown.com

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Mary and June lived in the old homestead in Tasmania which had been in Mary’s husband’s family for generations. The two of them had lived together since Mary’s daughter Ivy-Rose had left home, married her husband Hugh and had their daughter Pip. But now the old home was basically falling down around their ears and the cost of renovations to restore the old lady to her former beauty was beyond Mary and June. Their invitation to Ivy-Rose (in Sydney and separated from Hugh), sister Grace (whose husband had recently passed away) and Pip (in San Francisco and broken up from her boyfriend) to rejoin the family and become joint owners of the new B&B they planned for the old manor was a sound one. Everyone would chip in for the renovations making it their home once again.

But it seemed each and every member of the family had a deep secret, some dating back over fifty years prior. As everyone became used to living in close proximity with others once again, tempers frayed, memories assaulted their days and secrets were being shaken from their hiding places. Would having those secrets out in the open bring the family closer together, or shatter them apart forever?

The Secrets Mothers Keep by Aussie author Jacquie Underdown is the story of a family, close on the outside but with fractures forming on the inside. Keeping secrets to protect loved ones is all well and good, until those secrets need airing. I found each character portrayed their part in the story well, with some more likeable than others. But circumstances caused so much angst, and working their way through it was intriguing and at times frustrating for me as the reader. Under it all, the things you would do for your children and family stands out in front of everything else. Recommended.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books follows three generations of one family. Mary is the matriarch, oldest sister of June and Grace, mother of Lily-Rose and grandmother of Pia. She is growing desperate trying to keep up with the upkeep of her Tasmanian mansion which is falling into disrepair.
She invites her sisters, daughter and grand-daughter to invest in converting her manor into a boutique hotel and to move in with her.
Each person appears to be a cross-road in their lives and deep buried secrets that will cause each of them a lot of angst start to surface. They all come together to restore the house but in the process will it break the bonds that they share?
Some very dramatic revelations in this book that is well told. Once in I found it hard to put aside. I can recommend this Australian based family drama.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have read Jacquie's Brothers of the Vine series, a rural romance series that I thoroughly enjoyed. When I heard she was branching out into something different, I preordered it straight away.

Each chapter is focused on one of the 5 main female characters, all family members, all drawn together to renovate the family Manor in Tasmania and turn it into a B&B. Each returns to undertake this endeavour for their own reasons, and each has secrets, some more life changing than others.

These characters were all so different, Mary the matriarch of the family has a closed off manner. June, Mary and Grace's sister has to be my favourite of the sisters. When we meet her, she's a little bit magical and has a hippie like way about her that completely resonated with me, I hope I'm just like her when I'm older. Grace has recently lost her husband and has discovered a secret he'd been keeping, when we first meet her, she's a little lost and feels like her life has been a lie. Lily-Rose, Mary's daughter is an actress and has split from her husband due to an affair and also feels completely lost. Pia, Lily-Rose's daughter finds out her boyfriend is an asshole and leaves the US to be back with her family.

As you can imagine, once these family members converge on the manor and begin living with each other, secrets are bound to become a little less secret. I did figure out one of the secrets, but there were a couple that completely blindsighted me and one left my jaw hanging open in disbelief.

You get little snippets of Mary and June's past now and again as chapters throughout the book, and this is how a couple of the secrets are slowly revealed.

Luca, ahhh lovely Luca, what I wouldn't give for a Luca hmmm. OK, enough of that, you get the idea, he's gorgeous, both to look at according to Pia and June especially, and as a person. Luca is the builder employed to renovate the manor and turn it into a B&B. The chemistry between Luca and Pia is immediate, though Pia is keeping a secret of her own that may or may not ruin her chances with Luca. Luca provides another plot twist I didn't see coming.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book of Secrets which was full of turbulent relationships and interesting characters and dilemmas.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of family, secrets and what mothers will do to keep their family safe, three generations of woman from the one family are bought back together to live in a beautiful mansion in a small town in Tasmania, they are there to start a new family business but will secrets be uncovered and will it tear them apart or pull them together. I do hope you will come along for the journey and meet Mary, June, Grace, Lily-Rose and Pia, you will not be sorry.

Mary knows that her beloved homestead is in need of repairs and with no money she needs to get something sorted, this involves bringing her family together and starting a bed and breakfast with them all involved, each member will play a part in the future, she is determined to keep the secret that she has kept for fifty years.

Mary has been through so much in her life, pain and betrayal but she is determined that nothing will hurt her family.

June, Mary’s youngest sister has always been there to support Mary and together they have lived and made a good life in Tasmania.

Grace, the middle sister happily married with her own family but is grieving after the loss of her husband and discovering a past she knew nothing about.

Lily-Rose Mary’s daughter and famous actress her world has fallen apart maybe this time back in her old home will help repair her.

Pia, Mary’s granddaughter she arrives home with a secret of her own but knows this is the place she wants and needs to be.

Five women together under the one roof each with struggles with different issues will being together help them or hinder them and when secrets are uncovered the world as they know it changes so much, will love hold them together? Will it be for the good or not?

This is well written story that takes in so many issues, MS Underdown has bought each character to life so as the reader gets to know them well, I am not sure that I had a favourite character but together they made the story so very good, the ups and downs and the shocks when secrets are revealed had me turning the pages to find out what happens. This is a story that I would highly recommend, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

This book really had me reeling . I kept page turning to see what would happen next what secret might unravel . This book I really enjoyed reading it really had me going. It touched home on so many levels.

[Ellen M. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!!

This story had me laughing and crying while falling in love with the characters and their stories!! Secrets have a way of becoming known.....

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK...Each chapter is focused on one of the 5 main female characters, all family members, all drawn together to renovate the family Manor in Tasmania and turn it into a B&B. Mary and June hold a secret for 50 years.

[Rebecca]

Free on Kindle

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! I could not stop reading!!! I cried, I laughed and I was in shock. I loved how everything all worked out at the end.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving novel of the the sacrifices, startling secrets, and the loving bonds that unite generations of women in a Tasmanian family. Taking a multiple time-line and character narrative approach, the plot revolves around three generations of women who decide to pool their resources to renovate a family manor as a Bed and Breakfast. Those same renovations bring attention to the manor, threatening to unearth both long-kept and newly-conceived secrets that could rip the family apart. This novel was filled with unexpected twists and unexpected story-lines that make for interesting and compelling relationship development. However, I felt the resolution of the revelations were quickly wrapped up in a manner that felt superficial -- the last and largest one, especially. While keeping the secrets until the end of the book added to the surprise value, I wished that the revelations had come earlier, so that the resolutions could have been developed through more character drama rather than sold-short.

My other main criticism is the construction of the novel as alternating character story lines, which was unnecessary and at times even confusing. This device would have worked well had the novel been written in first-person character perspectives, but it is not. The alternating character chapters did not add anything to the narrative. I can only surmise that the intended purpose was to make reference to the various characters as one another's mother, which only contributed to confusion when the third-person narrator used "Mum" to referred to a character otherwise referred to by their first name. This same relational effect could have been achieved much more clearly by retaining the third person perspective of "her mum," rather than referring to the main character of the chapter in third-person and then referencing her mother as if it were a first-person narrative.

Unlike a prominent review on Amazon, I did not find the number of main characters confusing, nor the attention to the renovations or amount cursing in character dialogue excessive. (Apparently the author did do some editing for language in response to the review; perhaps other details were also removed).

I received this book free on Kindle.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets Mothers Keep by Jacquie Underdown is the story of three generations of women as deep secrets from the past are revealed and alter their futures. The story opens with the oldest sister, Mary Rivers, who lives in her late husband’s ancestral home, Viewtree House, in Tasmania, Australia. The house is in desperate need of repair. She calls on her sisters, June, who lives with her, and Grace, as well as her daughter, Lily Rose, and granddaughter, Pia, to come together, pool their resources and save the house. The request comes at a time when all the women need a break or escape from their lives. Grace is dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death and discovers he had been hiding a terrible secret. Lily-Rose, a famous actress, is on the verge of divorce after an affair was exposed by the media. Pia, who broke up with her boyfriend, sees the request to put some distance between them. Told from the different perspectives of the five women, the story follows them as renovations on the house threatens to reveal deep secrets Mary and her sisters hold. Will their plans for the house bring them together or finally tear them part?
The Secrets Mothers Keep was a gripping story as the secrets are revealed, the women must decide who they are and who they will become as a family. At the heart of the story is a quote from June as she says, “Mothers in difficult circumstances, have had to life since forever in order to protect their child or themselves.” At the heart of the secrets is the desire to protect their family from scandal, pain and being torn apart. Another character reminds readers that “We can’t make judgments about decision made at different times and under conditions we don’t understand.” The Secrets Mothers Keep is a good story of family, secrets, and coming terms with the past. I enjoyed reading a story set in a different part of the world than is normally written about. I recommend The Secrets Mothers Keep.

The Secrets Mothers Keep
is available in paperback and eBook

[Deanna Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling

I agree with another review on this book about not really sure how to review this book. Some will love it, others maybe not so much. Had a good plot really, although quite overloaded once all the secrets poured out, and it took a long time for many of them to be revealed. I didn’t like a lot of the writing style, it was a sort of running commentary present tense type of thing. (June looks toward the staircase, June walks across the room)
It really didn’t take much to guess what the main secret was, but have to admit even though I wondered about the rose garden I was a little surprised. I did “skim” quite a bit of this book as some chapters were filled with quite a bit of detail. I also think I would have enjoyed it much more had Mary been younger and decided to do the Reno with her sisters and maybe children rather than 3 generations. Deciding on a huge renovation and running a bed and breakfast in your mid seventies was something I found hard to wrap my head around. At 69 Grace would now come out of retirement and be the chef/cook. I guess I’m too logical ! However in spite of this it did grab me in as much as I wanted to see how it all turned out. Says something about when you keep those skeletons in your closet a lot of the time they keep you captive with them.

[Monique Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ensemble of characters deliver an appealing inter-generational story of of women drawn together for a common cause. Each one brings secrets. Each has baggage. And as they spend more time together than they have in years, what they do with their secrets shapes their future.

If secrets are the top note, at its heart this is a story of relationships - between mother and daughter, between sisters, and between generations. The premise - turning an old, decrepit house into a viable B&B - is strong, and each of the characters has a part to play albeit without as much depth as some may have deserved. It's one of the difficulties of a multi-POV story. Having said that, I do love a story about secrets and relationships, and I did enjoy this book.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and complicated story of a family of women who experience various losses and comes home to Tasmania to renovate their huge family home into a profitable bed and breakfast. All their secrets and lies comes to light as they must acknowledge past actions and its effects on one another involving a roller coaster of emotions. Appreciate how each chapter rotates around individual lives to maintain clarity of the totality of the situation. Maintained my interest from beginning-to-end, especially the acknowledgement how living a lie can devastate current and future relationships.

[LKbytheBay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising Secrets are kept by more than just mothers.

Multiple POV’s took a bit to get used to; uniquely different names helped differentiate the characters and their plot lines. Luca’s way of learning what’s planted in the flowerbed was just too convenient to wrap up the story. Same with Mary’s “lost” money and Luca’s idea and actions of repayment - too convenient in order to wrap up the story. Less explanations at the end and more hints peppered throughout would have made this a 5-star book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book a lot!

Don't let yourself get fooled cause of the waiting.

It has been quite a while since I last read a book this good. A book that lures you in, and keeps you its hostage til the very end. A real page turner. Fictiin at its finest, but it depicts very clear the sacrifices mothers are willing to do, for the sake of their family and kids.

It has everything a great book needs : a good storyline, well developed characters, intrigue, secrets, drama and lots, lots of love. Oh. And a plot that twists your mind at 180°.

What start as a normal family, reuniting to turn the old legacy into a bed and breakfast, finishes with a lot of intense and page turning events.
Three sisters. Three generations. And a case full of secrets, burried deep, but which will resurface.

[Leigh Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Plot

When I started reading I had no idea where this story was going to take me. The sisters Mary, Grace and June all have been holding secrets for so long until one day things begin to unravel. Even Lily-Rose, Pia and Luca are holding secrets until the end. A fascinating look into the lives of a family that manage to rise to the challenge and move forward with life.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with many twists

Action and emotions drive this story. If you can think of a big secret, disappointment or mess a family can get into, this story will likely have topped it. The descriptions and voices given to each character makes this written work come alive. I could feel the alluring accents, feel the emotion as if I was right there witnessing it in person. Hope even find some wisdom in this book. For sometimes, fictional works can be helpful that way.

[Menah Benu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking

This book was well written and worthy of my time it took to read it. I couldn’t wait to read it’s exciting chapter. I loved how the story unfolded. The descriptive details made me feel as if I were there watching. Highly recommend this book for those that love a great mystery and love story combined.

[Jean Teeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

All families have secrets, big and small. This one is BIG

This story has a lot of characters, but the author separates each characters story in separate chapters making is easy to follow the family history. There is more than one secret and cover more than one decade. I kept thinking get it out in the open and get it over with. I am glad the author agreed with me.

[Dori Schiele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of secrets! I really enjoyed revealing them all. You really should take the time and see for yourself. A good read. It’ll keep you wanting to read more. I liked this book

A lot of secrets ! I really enjoyed revealing them. Makes you want to read more. I really enjoyed revealing them

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious Slice of Australia

With a large cast of characters, this multi-generational sagahas enough plot and drama to keep a soap opera running for 20 years.
Good writing and great pacing set in the background of a small Australian town make this the kind of intriguing feel-good story that like delicious cake, you know you shouldn't, but you can't help finishing in one sitting.

[Christine Mallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets Mothers Keep by Jacquie Underdown

Omg! You are absolutely going to love this book. I never thought so many secrets were kept for so long in 3 generations of woman. This book kept me up days and nights til i finished it to the end. I was so shocked, but fell in love with each character. It kept me on the edge with every page. You just have to give this book a read. Thank you Jacquie Underdown for a well written, fantastic book.

[Karen Lawler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Secrets Mothers Keep by Jacquie Under down. I had not read the author before but really enjoyed the development of characters and story. This is a story of a family of 3 sisters, a daughter and grand daughter of one and the secrets they all are keeping. The basis for all is based on the love they have for each other. There are some unexpected twists that the author weaves in the story of a grand house in Australia. It belongs to Mary and she brings her 2 sisters, June and Grace and her daughter Lily Rose and grand daughter Pia altogether to refurbish and make a bed and breakfast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I could not put it down.

[Samantha Maharajh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really easy and lovely read. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline

A great read I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. Easy and flowing story. The house itself is the main focus of the story

[Nancy Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book was so good. It started off as a really good read. The characters were developing nicely. Then it took a couple of left turns and suddenly I couldn't put it down.

[Irene Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

This story is well written..The characters are well developed and the reader is drawn into the story little by little. Family, love, redemption, and forgiveness all played out well...with a twist.

[Aimeé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really engaging book! One of those where I would say to myself 'just one more chapter' next thing I know, it's 3am and I have to peel my eyeballs away from my screen!
Recommend if you like a bit of romance, bit of drama and a book that will have you engrossed.

[Tamalita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author’s storytelling style keeps things interesting. The twists and turns in this story were amazing and I was not prepared for them. Outstanding.

[Charisse Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

All families have secrets. Many of those secrets go to the grave while some come to light and change the very lives of those that they were reportedly protecting. Watch all of this family's secrets come full circle. I definitely recommend this book.