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Bending Willow Trilogy #2
Guarding Secrets
Time reveals all secrets.
Suvi Goldstein feels unworthy of her happily-ever-after, especially when her knight-in-shining-armor becomes the target of dangerous men. To protect him, she flees to Israel to seek help from her estranged father, sacrificing her own dreams and safety in the process.
James Hinton believes he’s won his girl’s heart, but when he discovers Suvi’s secrets, doubts arise. Does he dare yoke himself to someone with such a tainted history? Will he always have to guard his back? Most important, does she even love him anymore?
Austan Barras stands guard against the Dragon cartel, while nursing hope that he can reveal his true identity to Suvi. When a chance arises to team up with a pair of Mossad operatives, he may finally be in a position to reunite with the woman he’s loved for years. The only snag in his plan—she believes he’s dead.
The fight for redemption continues in this compelling sequel, with lives, love, and freedom at stake.
Suvi Goldstein feels unworthy of her happily-ever-after, especially when her knight-in-shining-armor becomes the target of dangerous men. To protect him, she flees to Israel to seek help from her estranged father, sacrificing her own dreams and safety in the process.
James Hinton believes he’s won his girl’s heart, but when he discovers Suvi’s secrets, doubts arise. Does he dare yoke himself to someone with such a tainted history? Will he always have to guard his back? Most important, does she even love him anymore?
Austan Barras stands guard against the Dragon cartel, while nursing hope that he can reveal his true identity to Suvi. When a chance arises to team up with a pair of Mossad operatives, he may finally be in a position to reunite with the woman he’s loved for years. The only snag in his plan—she believes he’s dead.
The fight for redemption continues in this compelling sequel, with lives, love, and freedom at stake.
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2020
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Charissa Stastny
19 books81 followersCharissa Stastny is an avid reader, happy writer, BYU graduate, and lover of irises, clouds, chocolate, sushi, and the outdoors. Though she was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She does shuffle kids, laundry, and church responsibilities rather well though. She has lived in Nevada and Idaho, but currently resides in Utah with her husband and four children where shuffling cards isn’t required. She is the author of four books and ‘imagine-eer’ of many more.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 7, 2013
Intrigue, suspense, spies, drug cartels, king pins, beautiful women, men who would die for them...this book has it all. And yet, author Charissa Stastny manages to tell the tale without swearing or detailed sex. You won't miss it. My heart raced, and I became so attached to these characters that I internally booed when some came on the page and cheered for others. The main character, Suvi, is a survivor-extraordinaire. James...a hero. Austan a cad...but a hero, too. And Ravi. What a guy. Suvi is the woman we'd all like to be. Tough but soft, understanding yet stubborn, smart yet flawed. You will believe this is a real world and you will enjoy every moment in it.
February 16, 2023
I usually dislike the second book of a trilogy (is always the one with senseless trouble, just to expand the story). But this one I enjoyed it more than the first one. I struggled a bit reading "Finding light", probably not really understanding Suvy's circle of auto-destruction (plus her magnet for trouble and bad men).
Here we really learn her background and understand a lot of things. She gets to close past cycles, heal some old wounds (not without scars).
I wish this was the final book! u.u
But there is still one big issue, so suffer we must, for the sake of Suvi's peace (I hope!).
P.S.: I love you Raviv! Thank you for everything u.u
Here we really learn her background and understand a lot of things. She gets to close past cycles, heal some old wounds (not without scars).
I wish this was the final book! u.u
But there is still one big issue, so suffer we must, for the sake of Suvi's peace (I hope!).
P.S.: I love you Raviv! Thank you for everything u.u
February 11, 2023
A great addition to the story
This book added to the story from the first book in the series. It was tough to read, but I didn't find it as hard as the first. I enjoyed how it added to the story.
This book added to the story from the first book in the series. It was tough to read, but I didn't find it as hard as the first. I enjoyed how it added to the story.
August 26, 2015
I won this book in a drawing held by the author. A review was not requested by the author.
I read the first book in this series, Eyes of Light, and I thought Secret Keepers picked up nicely where Eyes of Light left off. Any questions I might have had were immediately answered within the first few pages. I don't think it's necessary to read Eyes of Light in order to understand what's going on in Secret Keepers (although, you're missing out if you don't read it!) Ms. Stastny does a great job placing the reader smack-dab into the action as though there was never a break between the two books.
I had no trouble becoming attached to the well-developed main characters: Suvi, the brave, yet deeply troubled heroine; her fiance, James, an honorable man of the Mormon faith; and Austan, the sometimes-cool, sometimes hot-under-the-collar jealous ex.
I enjoyed the religious theme, even though I don't normally read this kind of book. I think I enjoyed it because Ms. Stastny does such a nice job weaving it in among all the action and romance, that I often didn't realize I was actually learning about the Mormon faith. The details of Israel, the setting for Secret Keepers, are picturesque and exquisite. I feel as though I'm right there.
Ms. Stastny delivers another finely written book of suspense, romance, and intrigue.
I read the first book in this series, Eyes of Light, and I thought Secret Keepers picked up nicely where Eyes of Light left off. Any questions I might have had were immediately answered within the first few pages. I don't think it's necessary to read Eyes of Light in order to understand what's going on in Secret Keepers (although, you're missing out if you don't read it!) Ms. Stastny does a great job placing the reader smack-dab into the action as though there was never a break between the two books.
I had no trouble becoming attached to the well-developed main characters: Suvi, the brave, yet deeply troubled heroine; her fiance, James, an honorable man of the Mormon faith; and Austan, the sometimes-cool, sometimes hot-under-the-collar jealous ex.
I enjoyed the religious theme, even though I don't normally read this kind of book. I think I enjoyed it because Ms. Stastny does such a nice job weaving it in among all the action and romance, that I often didn't realize I was actually learning about the Mormon faith. The details of Israel, the setting for Secret Keepers, are picturesque and exquisite. I feel as though I'm right there.
Ms. Stastny delivers another finely written book of suspense, romance, and intrigue.
March 20, 2015
I loved "Eyes of Light" so I was excited to read on in the series and "Secret Keepers" was everything I hoped it would be. The main character Suvi is so relatable that you hate her and love her at the same time...while still wanting the best for her. The author delves deeper into Suvi's past and her overall character in this book is crystal clear.
The characters come across as real people that you want to know (or feel as though you do), and I loved the introduction of new, very strong characters as well (like Ravi...wow). The whole book kept me guessing if what I wanted would truly come to pass...at the same time I felt torn in the same love triangles as Suvi. My favorite return character was Austan and the drama he brought with him. I spent a few nights up waaay too late with this book because I couldn't put it down. This book is a must-read! Can't wait for book three to come out. Congrats on another awesome book, Charissa Stastny!
The characters come across as real people that you want to know (or feel as though you do), and I loved the introduction of new, very strong characters as well (like Ravi...wow). The whole book kept me guessing if what I wanted would truly come to pass...at the same time I felt torn in the same love triangles as Suvi. My favorite return character was Austan and the drama he brought with him. I spent a few nights up waaay too late with this book because I couldn't put it down. This book is a must-read! Can't wait for book three to come out. Congrats on another awesome book, Charissa Stastny!
March 21, 2015
Oh Charissa my friend! What a story you weave! I have to admit I had difficulty with the emotion of Suvi writing about her abuse. It took me a long time to get through the first half with all of her letters to James detailing her abuse. You knew from the first book that things had happened in her past but this really got into it.
I LOVED the adventure of the rest of the book and couldn't wait to get into the third book. I really enjoyed the character, Raviv. He must have been entertaining to write. I loved all the details about Jerusalem and the culture and area (You must have visited there to have such a feel for it, because I don't think you can get that from pictures).
My heart ached for Austin at the end of the book, but cheered for James and Suvi. Looking forward to book 3 and how the Hinton's deal with "The Dragon".
I LOVED the adventure of the rest of the book and couldn't wait to get into the third book. I really enjoyed the character, Raviv. He must have been entertaining to write. I loved all the details about Jerusalem and the culture and area (You must have visited there to have such a feel for it, because I don't think you can get that from pictures).
My heart ached for Austin at the end of the book, but cheered for James and Suvi. Looking forward to book 3 and how the Hinton's deal with "The Dragon".
October 19, 2015
Secret Keepers is the second book chronicling the hardships Suvi Goldstein faces as she attempts to escape the emotional prison of her abusive past. All she wants is to marry her fiancé, James Hinton, a decent man but one who's naïve about the realities of Suvi's world. But as the two try to begin their life together, Suvi's past continues to keep them apart, and she must fight to stay alive in a world of drug lords not to mention enemies of her Israeli Mossad-agent father.
Ms. Stastny has a crisp, clean writing style. Her descriptions are vivid, and her characters rich. I don't often read books with a religious theme, but it was interesting to learn about the Mormon faith, and the book's predominant setting of Israel played nicely into this spiritual theme.
Ms. Stastny has a crisp, clean writing style. Her descriptions are vivid, and her characters rich. I don't often read books with a religious theme, but it was interesting to learn about the Mormon faith, and the book's predominant setting of Israel played nicely into this spiritual theme.
November 20, 2020
I received an ARC to review: CIA and Mossad agents, drug lords, shameful secrets and hidden motives, and pure love fill the pages of this 2nd book in the trilogy. Incredibly fast-paced, brimming with action and intrigue, and throwing out some unsuspected twists and turns makes for an unputdownable read.
Language: mild swearing
Sex: physical intimacy and sexual attraction is detailed, although there are no actual sex scenes
Triggers: rape, sexual/verbal/emotional abuse, death
Note: the story includes the redemption from and overcoming of a life of sexual abuse; these things are therefore detailed (although not explicit), so although the book is classified as Christian in genre, the reality of darkness is included. Not advised for young or sensitive readers.
Language: mild swearing
Sex: physical intimacy and sexual attraction is detailed, although there are no actual sex scenes
Triggers: rape, sexual/verbal/emotional abuse, death
Note: the story includes the redemption from and overcoming of a life of sexual abuse; these things are therefore detailed (although not explicit), so although the book is classified as Christian in genre, the reality of darkness is included. Not advised for young or sensitive readers.
November 9, 2020
Guarding Secrets is the second book chronicling the hardships Suvi Goldstein faces as she attempts to escape the emotional prison of her abusive past. All she wants is to marry her fiancé, James Hinton, a decent man but one who's naïve about the realities of Suvi's world. But as the two try to begin their life together, Suvi's past continues to keep them apart, and she must fight to stay alive in a world of drug lords not to mention enemies of her Israeli Mossad-agent father. Ms. Stastny has a crisp, clean writing style; her descriptions are vivid, and her characters rich. Fans of romantic suspense should enjoy this series.
March 13, 2015
Secret Keepers is the 2nd in a trilogy. Usually the middle book in a trilogy is less than satisfying, however this book stands well on its own. Suvi is haunted by her past and unwilling to share her secrets with her fiance James. Events unfold to help her move through her demons. I loved the growth of the characters as well as the adventure and intrigue. Stastny is an amazing writer. The characters are believable, the descriptions are amazing without being overdone and the story is engaging. I highly recommend this book!!
July 10, 2013
This book was filled with non-stop action, but that's what made it an entertaining read, and that's why I like to read--to be entertained. At the same time, Secret Keepers deals with some very sensitive issues, hence this is by no means a fluffy read. I love happy endings--and this book has one, thank goodness. After everything the characters go through, it was a satisfying end to book two. I look forward to book three! Great job, Charissa!
May 9, 2016
Book 2 of the Bending Willow trilogy was a difficult read at times. I empathized with Suvi as she struggled to let go of her past and refused to let her secrets have power over her. The suspense was upped as the story continued.
*I was giving a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
** Full review at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/blog/ben...
*** Some may find this book offensive. There is use of bad language and allusion to intimacy.
*I was giving a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
** Full review at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/blog/ben...
*** Some may find this book offensive. There is use of bad language and allusion to intimacy.
July 19, 2021
This sequel doesn’t disappoint- so much action, secrets, anguish, friendship and romance. Many of Suvi’s secrets are revealed and in doing so, healing begins.
This story could be triggering for those who have experienced abuse so decide carefully if you wish to read this. Also quite graphic in places!
You will get sucked into the story and kept gripped to the end!
This story could be triggering for those who have experienced abuse so decide carefully if you wish to read this. Also quite graphic in places!
You will get sucked into the story and kept gripped to the end!
February 20, 2013
Loved this book. Great emotion and depth. Can't wait for the third book.
February 24, 2015
Full of action and drama. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to these characters. C
June 18, 2013
Another page turner from Charissa Stastny! Wow. Kept me up too late last night. The characters have depth and emotion that are easy to relate to.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews