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Shipley's Secrets
Growing up in foster care, Malcolm has never known his birth family. The first twelve years of his life is riddled with trauma and abuse. His only dream in life is to make it to eighteen years old so he can join the military and change his fate. When Malcolm’s placed in the care of a new foster home, he meets Adler and Sal. Three boys having grown up with no family, no connections and no hope of a steady life, they find something in each other they never thought they’d have. Family. After a horrific trauma occurs in this new foster home, Malcolm, Adler and Sal are thrust into uncertainty and an indefinite separation from each other. That is, until an unlikely savior steps in. Trauma brought three boys into the lives of the Keating’s. The love they carry as brothers will guide them into the life they’re meant to have. Their shared dream of joining the military just a short time away. Loyalty to each other and their newly built family is the glue that binds all those dreams together. But with loyalty and the need to protect each other, comes secrets. Clara has had her own fair share of trauma. After a life altering event, Clara vows to move on with her life and be happy despite all that is stacked against her. When she meets the mysterious Malcolm, her curiosity about him leads her to an unlikely turn of events. And a life she never expected. Which way will her heart sway? Will the path it takes tear apart a brother’s bond? Will all the secrets kept between these lives break the loyalty of this family?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2019
2 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 8, 2020
Before I get started with my review I would like to thank Jen Simmons for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion and review!
What did I think?
Already reading the prologue, I was intrigued to read on and find out more about the characters. I really adored the main protagonists and their genuine relationships with each other! I have been wanting to read a light-hearted romantic story and that is exactly what I got!
Head over to my blog to read the rest of my review on Shipley's Secrets!
https://secretsofabookworm.home.blog/...
What did I think?
Already reading the prologue, I was intrigued to read on and find out more about the characters. I really adored the main protagonists and their genuine relationships with each other! I have been wanting to read a light-hearted romantic story and that is exactly what I got!
Head over to my blog to read the rest of my review on Shipley's Secrets!
https://secretsofabookworm.home.blog/...
February 22, 2022
This is my first Jen Simmons book and her debut book and it’s absolutely wonderful!!! The book is about three young boys coming together in foster care; Adler, Sal, and Malcolm. The first half of this book tells about the childhood years of the boys and how they came to be within the same foster house. After a horrific scene, the three boys are adopted and sent to live with their new principal. This part just gives you all the feels. It is really hard to read because you know those tears are going to start leaking.
The other half of this book is about Clara. Clara is a spoiled little brat. She finds out her mother is sick, after overhearing her parents talking, while preparing to move. She thinks back on her life and realizes how horrible she’s been and tries to turn herself around. She spends the next few years helping her mom out and being there for her as a daughter. Clara’s mom dies when Clara is a senior in high school. I think it is always hard to read about a parent dying from a sickness, but Jen Simmons writes descriptive scenes, that paint the picture for you very well.
The boys meet Clara on her worst day ever and we find out that more than one brother has developed feelings for Clara. While Clara thinks she has feelings for one brother, her first dinner with their family changes everything. This is definitely love at first sight. The sparks flying between these two is amazing. Clara has chosen her guy and they have to figure out how to let the other brothers know. After another tragic event happens in both Clara’s life and the brothers’, the book ends on a cliffhanger. What a great cliffhanger though!!! I’m excited to see what happens in book two!! I absolutely loved this story. It had tragedy, happiness, love and sadness all wrapped up in to one. I can assure you, that if you read this book, you won’t be disappointed!!! There was never a dull moment in this book, it was hard to put down. Excellent job Jen Simmons!!!!
The other half of this book is about Clara. Clara is a spoiled little brat. She finds out her mother is sick, after overhearing her parents talking, while preparing to move. She thinks back on her life and realizes how horrible she’s been and tries to turn herself around. She spends the next few years helping her mom out and being there for her as a daughter. Clara’s mom dies when Clara is a senior in high school. I think it is always hard to read about a parent dying from a sickness, but Jen Simmons writes descriptive scenes, that paint the picture for you very well.
The boys meet Clara on her worst day ever and we find out that more than one brother has developed feelings for Clara. While Clara thinks she has feelings for one brother, her first dinner with their family changes everything. This is definitely love at first sight. The sparks flying between these two is amazing. Clara has chosen her guy and they have to figure out how to let the other brothers know. After another tragic event happens in both Clara’s life and the brothers’, the book ends on a cliffhanger. What a great cliffhanger though!!! I’m excited to see what happens in book two!! I absolutely loved this story. It had tragedy, happiness, love and sadness all wrapped up in to one. I can assure you, that if you read this book, you won’t be disappointed!!! There was never a dull moment in this book, it was hard to put down. Excellent job Jen Simmons!!!!
December 14, 2019
Chapter 12
This book is very well written. The chapters just flow by because it is such an easy read. Be prepared for twist and turns and especially Chapter 12 . OMG WOW !!!!
This book is very well written. The chapters just flow by because it is such an easy read. Be prepared for twist and turns and especially Chapter 12 . OMG WOW !!!!
December 10, 2019
This book was AMAZING!! It had me captivated from the prologue and I read it in a day!! I can’t WAIT for the next one!!!!
November 17, 2021
All I can say is that with that ending, there had better be a sequel coming!
This book begins with a lot of heartache, some of which was hard to read, but once the romance picked up, I couldn't put it down! I had to keep reading to find out what happened next!
This book begins with a lot of heartache, some of which was hard to read, but once the romance picked up, I couldn't put it down! I had to keep reading to find out what happened next!
December 22, 2019
Excellent Read!
The story line is great and pulls you in! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
The story line is great and pulls you in! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
January 26, 2022
This was an amazing book of family and love. Malcolm, Sal and Adler are joined together as brothers at a very young age by tragic events. Clara has her own tragedy while growing up and is drawn to the brothers. I don't want to spoil the story but it is an amazing story of struggle, family bonding beyond blood, and true love. This was a beautiful story and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the second book!
July 31, 2020
Enjoyed this book. a blend of drama/trauma, romance and suspense. The lives interwoven in this debut novel piece together so fluidly keeping me engaged. The characters are dynamic and believable. The imagery of the landscape comes alive on the paper.. The steamy and sweet romantic scenes were written so well I could feel the heat emanating off the pages. Can't wait for the next installment
February 23, 2022
This book was filled with so much tragedy, heartache, pain, love, friendship, loyalty and ultimately happiness. This was such an amazing read. I truly couldn’t put it down. Brought together in foster care, Malcolm, Sal and Adler were able to stay together after tragic ensues and we’re adopted together.
Now Clara I didn’t particularly like her in the beginning. But she grew on me. Tragedy struck when her mom dies of breast cancer but luckily Clara changed her ways before then and was there for her mom.
It was such a great part of the book when Clara met the guys. Though it was a rough day. Their friendships challenged, will Clara decide who she’s falling for? Or will this tear their family apart?
Such a page turner, emotional and heartbreaking with twists and turns leaving you wanting more. And that cliffhanger?!? Can’t wait for the next book!!
Now Clara I didn’t particularly like her in the beginning. But she grew on me. Tragedy struck when her mom dies of breast cancer but luckily Clara changed her ways before then and was there for her mom.
It was such a great part of the book when Clara met the guys. Though it was a rough day. Their friendships challenged, will Clara decide who she’s falling for? Or will this tear their family apart?
Such a page turner, emotional and heartbreaking with twists and turns leaving you wanting more. And that cliffhanger?!? Can’t wait for the next book!!
February 21, 2022
Malcolm, Sal and Adler become brothers by choice when they meet in foster care and tragic events change the course of their lives. Simultaneously, Clara has her own tragedy which moves her family to Denver and into the path of the three boys.
This book shifts in POV between Malcolm, Sal and Clara. This was a bit confusing at first when combined with the jumps in time as well. It ends up working really well for the story as it unfolds though and I couldn't put the book down!
And that ending!! 🤫 Bring on the next book please!
I do think it should come with a warning concerning the nature of the violence. I was unprepared and it hit hard. It doesn't subtract from my overall appreciation of the book, but it might be too much for some.
This book shifts in POV between Malcolm, Sal and Clara. This was a bit confusing at first when combined with the jumps in time as well. It ends up working really well for the story as it unfolds though and I couldn't put the book down!
And that ending!! 🤫 Bring on the next book please!
I do think it should come with a warning concerning the nature of the violence. I was unprepared and it hit hard. It doesn't subtract from my overall appreciation of the book, but it might be too much for some.
December 2, 2019
This book is available December 10th. I was lucky enough to be provided an ARC.
Yayy! Now to the good stuff.
This book ends with a cliffhanger hanger. But I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the 2nd.
The book gives you a very good background on the individuals, and I loved how they care together and loved one another.
There was a quote in the book that “Blood and genetics don’t make you a family, but love and loyalty do”-Malcom. I loved this because it is true.
January 8, 2020
I loved it. I can't wait for the next one to be released. It will have you smiling, crying, and in love with the characters. For this author first ever book I think she did amazing! Definitely a must read!
February 12, 2020
Amazing !!!!!!
October 18, 2022
Great read! Loved it!
January 27, 2022
Great story
I knew foster care could be rough for some, but these guys when they met at this one was a disaster, and CPS should have never put a female child into this one, but the good part was that they tried to protect her as much as teenage boys could. Very glad that the counselor Mr Keating took them into his home and farm and taught them working duties, but love was well. Clara and her parents moved from North Carolina to Denver for a better opportunity to help her mama with breast cancer, but sadly died after five years. Clara met the guys while working at her job and thought she liked Malcolm for boyfriend, but had eyes and heart for Sal. Plenty of bullies still around even after growing up some, but I always say once a bully always a bully and that proves true with Landry and his buddies. Really looking forward to more stories from this new author to me and what happens next for them. This is what I would call a cliff hanger story, so be prepared. Happy reading.
I knew foster care could be rough for some, but these guys when they met at this one was a disaster, and CPS should have never put a female child into this one, but the good part was that they tried to protect her as much as teenage boys could. Very glad that the counselor Mr Keating took them into his home and farm and taught them working duties, but love was well. Clara and her parents moved from North Carolina to Denver for a better opportunity to help her mama with breast cancer, but sadly died after five years. Clara met the guys while working at her job and thought she liked Malcolm for boyfriend, but had eyes and heart for Sal. Plenty of bullies still around even after growing up some, but I always say once a bully always a bully and that proves true with Landry and his buddies. Really looking forward to more stories from this new author to me and what happens next for them. This is what I would call a cliff hanger story, so be prepared. Happy reading.
February 20, 2020
Shipley’s Secrets⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This book tells the story of Sal, Malcolm, and Adler and how they became a tide nit family. Al three boys grew up in foster care and eventually end together in a horrible foster home where tragedy strikes forging an indestructible bond between the three of them. Their school counselor takes the brothers in adding his son Tate to the brotherhood. Their relationships get rattled when they met Clara and feeling are developed with more than one brother. Will their family and friendship survive all the curve balls thrown their way???⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This book had me hook since the prologue, and I know that I’m going to have my hart broken once I read the second book in this duet. The author does a great job narrating each character background story. I cannot wait to read how their journey continues, and more importantly how it ends.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book tells the story of Sal, Malcolm, and Adler and how they became a tide nit family. Al three boys grew up in foster care and eventually end together in a horrible foster home where tragedy strikes forging an indestructible bond between the three of them. Their school counselor takes the brothers in adding his son Tate to the brotherhood. Their relationships get rattled when they met Clara and feeling are developed with more than one brother. Will their family and friendship survive all the curve balls thrown their way???⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book had me hook since the prologue, and I know that I’m going to have my hart broken once I read the second book in this duet. The author does a great job narrating each character background story. I cannot wait to read how their journey continues, and more importantly how it ends.
June 18, 2022
Malcolm, Sal and Adler become brothers by choice when they meet in foster care and tragic events change the course of their lives. Simultaneously, Clara has her own tragedy which moves her family to Denver and into the path of the three boys.
This book shifts in POV between Malcolm, Sal and Clara. This was a bit confusing at first when combined with the jumps in time as well. It ends up working really well for the story as it unfolds though and I couldn't put the book down!
And that ending!! 🤫 Bring on the next book please!
I do think it should come with a warning concerning the nature of the violence. I was unprepared and it hit hard. It doesn't subtract from my overall appreciation of the book, but it might be too much for some.
This book shifts in POV between Malcolm, Sal and Clara. This was a bit confusing at first when combined with the jumps in time as well. It ends up working really well for the story as it unfolds though and I couldn't put the book down!
And that ending!! 🤫 Bring on the next book please!
I do think it should come with a warning concerning the nature of the violence. I was unprepared and it hit hard. It doesn't subtract from my overall appreciation of the book, but it might be too much for some.
March 9, 2020
Shipley’s Secrets was a great read! I love how the author was very descriptive and paid attention to detail. This allowed the reader to truly envision what each character and scenario looked like. I could totally see this book written into a movie! The story unfolded very well and I think the author did a great job when transitioning her story from an older date to a recent date. The book made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me raise my eyebrows! I can’t wait to read her second book to find out what happens to the rest of the characters lives.
April 4, 2023
Words are hard to express just how much I enjoyed this book. It was my first book by this Author and it better not be my last either.
The book had me from the prolouge until the very last page ! This is a sign of an extremely well written book. It sure is a roller-coaster of a ride through such ups and downs. Heartache is a word I would use to describe some of the earlier chapters. This book has some drug and alcohol use, violence, love, attempted suicide, betrayal, threats, heartfelt moments. If you could read 1 book this year this would be the book!!
The book had me from the prolouge until the very last page ! This is a sign of an extremely well written book. It sure is a roller-coaster of a ride through such ups and downs. Heartache is a word I would use to describe some of the earlier chapters. This book has some drug and alcohol use, violence, love, attempted suicide, betrayal, threats, heartfelt moments. If you could read 1 book this year this would be the book!!
December 30, 2019
This book was excellent! From the prologue, to chapter 12, to the cliffhanger ending, it leaves you wanting more! The character development was nice and feels sufficient. It makes you want more but doesn’t leave you feeling starved for it. That sets up the story for all the twist and turns to really hit you the reader because of the closeness you’re bound to feel for the characters. It’s a good, quick, and easy read. I’m really looking forward to seeing where the story can and must go.
January 29, 2020
Shipley's secrets is a book about loyalty family and the hardships they all go through to become a family .
Malcom sal and Adler experience the most unthinkable situations in their foster home
But the heart of a good counselor gives them the sense of a complete family..
Along the way tragedy and cokneiving events happen how will the brothers deal with this ?
How will Pop raise all these boys are they the troublemakers people make them out to be
Read to find out.....
Malcom sal and Adler experience the most unthinkable situations in their foster home
But the heart of a good counselor gives them the sense of a complete family..
Along the way tragedy and cokneiving events happen how will the brothers deal with this ?
How will Pop raise all these boys are they the troublemakers people make them out to be
Read to find out.....
February 20, 2022
I was alittle confused at the beginning. But then it went back and we got all of the back stories on the characters. It didn't come back around to touch on the beginning of the book and then the ending. Like I mean the ENDING VERY LAST SENTENCE! Thew me for a loop and made me want to jump into reading the 2nd one. I hope the 2nd book starts off where the 1st ended. I cried, I laughed, it was a good book!
November 6, 2021
This book kept me captivated start to finish! Jen Simmons is a gifted author, with a unique point of view and writing style. Shipley’s Secrets was fun and a joy to read, and I can’t wait to see what she does next! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
December 19, 2022
4.5
This story is so heartbreaking and tears jerk I sob a lot. Clara meets Malcolm, Adler and Sal (they're friends but I can define them as brothers), and her life changes. Even though she was sure about her feelings. Well... we find out faith launched her a curve ball and her feelings changed.
This story is so heartbreaking and tears jerk I sob a lot. Clara meets Malcolm, Adler and Sal (they're friends but I can define them as brothers), and her life changes. Even though she was sure about her feelings. Well... we find out faith launched her a curve ball and her feelings changed.
February 20, 2020
This book was a bit of a departure for me, genre-wise, but I enjoyed it. The pacing was spectacular - it kept me turning the pages all the way through to the end.
November 29, 2019
Shipleys Secrets is the first book by up and coming author, Jen Simmons.
The prologue hooks you and doesn't let you go!
I will warn you, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and the prologue is not addressed in Shipley's Secrets...all will be revealed in Book #2. However...I liked that aspect of it. I am still highly interested to find out how it gets to that point.
Shipley's Secrets does a nice job a setting up the characters, giving a backstory, and making you want more (in a good way...not in that it is lacking way)!
Malcolm, Sal, Adler, Tate...Clara! Enjoying them all and excited to see how they continue to grow!
The prologue hooks you and doesn't let you go!
I will warn you, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and the prologue is not addressed in Shipley's Secrets...all will be revealed in Book #2. However...I liked that aspect of it. I am still highly interested to find out how it gets to that point.
Shipley's Secrets does a nice job a setting up the characters, giving a backstory, and making you want more (in a good way...not in that it is lacking way)!
Malcolm, Sal, Adler, Tate...Clara! Enjoying them all and excited to see how they continue to grow!
January 1, 2020
This is one of those books you can’t put down (or you really won’t want to). Each chapter draws you in and keeps you hooked all the way to the end. The characters are so real and I can’t wait for the next book!
December 23, 2024
What an amazing book! I fell in love with the characters (and hated some). Jen left me wanting more when I was done reading!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews