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Rose Gardner Mystery #6.5
Ripple of Secrets
After her assistant DA boyfriend’s near brush with death, Rose Gardner hopes to make it through the holiday season with a minimal amount of drama. But she can’t forget the promise she made to the king of the Fenton County underworld in exchange for Mason’s life. What’s worse, she’s not the only one keeping secrets—Mason has been working on a hush-hush case in his private time, Joe is grappling with the sudden reappearance of his sister after a mysterious two-year disappearance, and Hilary continues in her single-minded quest to secure a commitment from Joe at any cost—for motives only she understands.
Though peace and quiet is all Rose wants, it’s the last thing she’s liable to get. And the ripple of secrets in her life threatens to create an undertow that will endanger her and everyone she holds dear.
Includes POVs from Joe, Mason, Hilary, and Skeeter.
Though peace and quiet is all Rose wants, it’s the last thing she’s liable to get. And the ripple of secrets in her life threatens to create an undertow that will endanger her and everyone she holds dear.
Includes POVs from Joe, Mason, Hilary, and Skeeter.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
359 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read
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April 13, 2015
Ripple of Secrets is #6.5 in the Rose Gardner series by Denise Grover Swank. First, if you are a fan of this series, I want to say that the three novellas are just as important part of the series as the regular books. Each novella contains crucial information that adds so much to the series as a whole. And in my opinion, each novella is more intense than the previous one.
Ripple of Secrets pretty much blew my mind. Some of the secrets we learn in this one completely bowled me over. We already knew that Joe’s dad, J.R. Simmons had a black heart. But we got a good look into his evilness and you will be shocked. I think I gasped a time or two.
We get a rare look at Hilary. It’s no secret that I detest that woman and the way she tries to manipulate Joe. But we get a flash back to age seventeen. I think I needed some time after I read this part to process what I learned. I was pretty surprised that the author actually decided to go this way. Did it change the way I feel about Hilary…no, I don’t think it did. But I do understand her better.
We get to know Kate, Joe’s sister a little bit. At first, I didn’t like her. But by the end, I am starting to warm to her. I think she just doesn’t have a filter. But there is something there that makes me like her. I think Joe might eventually be glad she is there.
We get a rare look into Skeeter Malcom’s head. Skeeter is a bad guy, we all know that. But this little glimpse at him sort of humanizes him to me a little bit. All along I have thought he had a little soft spot for Rose and I believe it even more so now.
And then there is our beloved Rose, Joe and Mason. Joe, I have bad mouthed you for a while now but you are winning me back. Hang in there. Mason loves Rose. There is no debate about that. But is he RIGHT for Rose? I’m still not completely sure. And Rose, oh our sweet Rose. I love you even more.
It's nearly Valentine's Day and Rose, Violet and Joe are preparing for the re-opening of their nursery, Gardner Sisters. And, of course, DGS leaves us teetering on the edge with a bit of a cliffhanger involving Neely Kate.
Finishing this novella has me totally amped up for the release of the next book the end of April, Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments. I can’t wait.
Ripple of Secrets pretty much blew my mind. Some of the secrets we learn in this one completely bowled me over. We already knew that Joe’s dad, J.R. Simmons had a black heart. But we got a good look into his evilness and you will be shocked. I think I gasped a time or two.
We get a rare look at Hilary. It’s no secret that I detest that woman and the way she tries to manipulate Joe. But we get a flash back to age seventeen. I think I needed some time after I read this part to process what I learned. I was pretty surprised that the author actually decided to go this way. Did it change the way I feel about Hilary…no, I don’t think it did. But I do understand her better.
We get to know Kate, Joe’s sister a little bit. At first, I didn’t like her. But by the end, I am starting to warm to her. I think she just doesn’t have a filter. But there is something there that makes me like her. I think Joe might eventually be glad she is there.
We get a rare look into Skeeter Malcom’s head. Skeeter is a bad guy, we all know that. But this little glimpse at him sort of humanizes him to me a little bit. All along I have thought he had a little soft spot for Rose and I believe it even more so now.
And then there is our beloved Rose, Joe and Mason. Joe, I have bad mouthed you for a while now but you are winning me back. Hang in there. Mason loves Rose. There is no debate about that. But is he RIGHT for Rose? I’m still not completely sure. And Rose, oh our sweet Rose. I love you even more.
It's nearly Valentine's Day and Rose, Violet and Joe are preparing for the re-opening of their nursery, Gardner Sisters. And, of course, DGS leaves us teetering on the edge with a bit of a cliffhanger involving Neely Kate.
Finishing this novella has me totally amped up for the release of the next book the end of April, Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments. I can’t wait.
July 20, 2018
I do like these little novellas and getting to see sides of different characters told from their POV. Sometimes makes me more sympathetic towards them (shocker on Joe's baby mama) and other times...not so much. This was fun gearing up for a business reopening, everyone coming back to town after various trips, getting a few more details on Joe's dad who is just a piece of work. A good in between read.
November 11, 2023
so i’ve been reading this series in order... this series is always funny and light hearted and borders on the ridiculous. yes there are dark topics like murder and such but normally in the “cozy mystery” format.
this novella is complete opposite. dark, no sugar coating and sickening. it’s not badly written- just the opposite since it evokes such feelings for the characters. but man- this is eye opening in a “wish i didn’t hear/see/know that” way.
this novella is complete opposite. dark, no sugar coating and sickening. it’s not badly written- just the opposite since it evokes such feelings for the characters. but man- this is eye opening in a “wish i didn’t hear/see/know that” way.
May 11, 2016
I'm addicted to this series. I love it! I've already pre-ordered book 7. My only wish? Violet to get what's coming to her. Come on Rose, show a little more backbone. Stop making up excuses for her behaviour. :)
April 9, 2015
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!
If you are a fan of the Rose Gardner Mysteries, then you can not miss this novella. To be honest, all of the novellas are important in this series.
This one gives us such an insight to what the other characters are thinking and what makes them do the things they do.
Firstly, lets talk Mason............this must now squish all people's thoughts of him being sinister. He is only ever wanted to protect Rose and let her grow and mature her own way.
We get to meet a new character, Kate, boy do I love her. Thirty-four and a Half Predicaments is going to be very interesting indeed.
Hilary has a very touching and sad chapter. Gives us a little more understanding as to why she is the way she is. Although, she is an adult now and should behave like one.
We are left with Neely-Kate rushed to hospital. I know she is just a character in a book, but I felt the need to say a prayer for her. Only time will tell and we will find out in Thirty-four the outcome of her and the baby.
Bring on April 28th.
If you are a fan of the Rose Gardner Mysteries, then you can not miss this novella. To be honest, all of the novellas are important in this series.
This one gives us such an insight to what the other characters are thinking and what makes them do the things they do.
Firstly, lets talk Mason............this must now squish all people's thoughts of him being sinister. He is only ever wanted to protect Rose and let her grow and mature her own way.
We get to meet a new character, Kate, boy do I love her. Thirty-four and a Half Predicaments is going to be very interesting indeed.
Hilary has a very touching and sad chapter. Gives us a little more understanding as to why she is the way she is. Although, she is an adult now and should behave like one.
We are left with Neely-Kate rushed to hospital. I know she is just a character in a book, but I felt the need to say a prayer for her. Only time will tell and we will find out in Thirty-four the outcome of her and the baby.
Bring on April 28th.
December 17, 2015
Once again Denise gives up insights into her beloved characters in her Rose Gardner Mystery series! These characters comes to life for her readers and with each novella we learn so much more as to the events in their lives that shaped who they are!
January 29, 2015
Part one: fantastic! Just when I think I've been doing ok getting by without my favorite Henryetta people, I couldn't have been more wrong! I adore Rose! Thanks DGS :)
July 23, 2017
4.5 OMG Stars.... The secrets filtering through all of these characters are beginning to overlap one another gaining in intensity, and when they finally implode I fear for the consequences... Rose, Mason, and Joe are attempting to protect one another with their deceit, adding layers of complexity to their already complicated relationships; Hilary's twisted backstory was a shock and lent an understanding to her despicable behavior, leading me to experience sympathy for her unsavory character (Just when I thought JR Simmons could not be any more of a monster!!); then there is the wildcard of Kate, and determining her true motivations and intent; and last but certainly not least is sweet Neely Kate's incredible potential loss (My heart broke)...this novella added many more twisted layers to this story making me question how it will all come to an end...I look forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold in the upcoming novels:)
January 11, 2019
Yes, Yes Yes!!! This is a MUST read (especially if you are a fan of the series)!! Part of me wishes that Denise would make the whole Rose Gardner Mystery series from different points of view, in all of the books, instead of in her novellas. Everything about this book was great. It was darker than the past books in the series... but it ties so many things together. I also am kinda glad that Denise went a darker route with this book. Some of the Rose Gardner Mystery series has been so bubbly and happy, it makes you feel you are living in another world, this book brings everything back to reality. I think it also is going to bring some twist to what is to come in the series as well. I think we will find out who truly is the father of Hilary's baby. I think that Mason and Joe are going to find out about Rose and Skeeter, and it's going to cause some major drama. Clearly, we will also see more of Kate in the coming books as well. Overall, I can't say enough about this book! <3 <3 <3
June 6, 2019
The Ripple!
We got a lot of back story and a lot of different points of views in this novella! This novella is a must read to fully understand these characters. My heart breaks for some but the understanding I now have for them is huge. The ending of this book throws a real curve ball and is a cliff hanger! Only Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments!
We got a lot of back story and a lot of different points of views in this novella! This novella is a must read to fully understand these characters. My heart breaks for some but the understanding I now have for them is huge. The ending of this book throws a real curve ball and is a cliff hanger! Only Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments!
June 17, 2022
A great addition to the series. I love that in the novellas we really get the POV from many characters. Loving all the surprising and unexpected twists and turns this series is taking.
“I was a different man. I wanted peace and contentment now; I craved it. The realization startled me”
-5 Stars-
“I was a different man. I wanted peace and contentment now; I craved it. The realization startled me”
-5 Stars-
June 26, 2025
Different points of view in between the books. Worth a read but not as good as a full book or Rose's point of view.
The background and details on Hiliary though, whoah. Much more is now understood on that character.
The background and details on Hiliary though, whoah. Much more is now understood on that character.
November 30, 2022
More Voices
Another 'tween' tale; we get to meet Joe's sister, Kate, and hear from Hilary, allowing us to understand her obsession with Joe. We are also privy to Skeeter's mindset when it comes to Rose.
Excellent.
Another 'tween' tale; we get to meet Joe's sister, Kate, and hear from Hilary, allowing us to understand her obsession with Joe. We are also privy to Skeeter's mindset when it comes to Rose.
Excellent.
July 1, 2024
So Good
Oh my!! So many feelings!! Definitely read this before Thirty Four and a Half Predicaments. Such a great book and series!
Oh my!! So many feelings!! Definitely read this before Thirty Four and a Half Predicaments. Such a great book and series!
June 11, 2019
Rose has some secrets but so does everyone else that she is around. Part of me wants to just sit these characters down and say "take a deep breath, and tell everyone in the room what you are hiding." ha ha! The plot thickens and this reader is found hypothesizing what will happen to our beloved Rose, Mason, and Skeeter. I think it is amazing to read what DGS creates - these characters come to life and provide hours of entertainment!
March 12, 2015
No this story will not take you a month to read, but as a person who receives this author's newsletter, we get parts of stories to read prior to the release date.. So, here are my thoughts on each part!!! I LOVE IT and I WANT MORE!!!!!! Please!!
Part 1 is fantastic.. I'm so excited for the remainder of this book!!
Part 2, left me seriously wanting more... There are always so many twists and turns in these books and as a reader, I'm always left wishing there were more pages to turn!!
Part 3.... Oh my goodness... Just when the story is expanding and we are getting into some drama, Denise goes and leaves us hanging... Ugh!!!! I love her but I wish she wasn't so very cruel by leaving is waiting for months on what will happen!
Part 1 is fantastic.. I'm so excited for the remainder of this book!!
Part 2, left me seriously wanting more... There are always so many twists and turns in these books and as a reader, I'm always left wishing there were more pages to turn!!
Part 3.... Oh my goodness... Just when the story is expanding and we are getting into some drama, Denise goes and leaves us hanging... Ugh!!!! I love her but I wish she wasn't so very cruel by leaving is waiting for months on what will happen!
April 12, 2015
Yet another amazing book from Denise. I am so excited for the next one at the end of this month!
I enjoyed reading from different characters points of view. Hilary's was especially eye opening. I really love Kate. I know that joe is suspicious of her but I instantaneously fell in love with her! Everyone is hiding so many secrets and I can't wait till some come out in the next book.
Overall a really good read.
I enjoyed reading from different characters points of view. Hilary's was especially eye opening. I really love Kate. I know that joe is suspicious of her but I instantaneously fell in love with her! Everyone is hiding so many secrets and I can't wait till some come out in the next book.
Overall a really good read.
March 18, 2015
Wow. and. oh! wow! and OH! WOW! Talk about some shockers! If you follow are following Rose's story, you are going to read this novella any way but YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE! The two biggest things that happen are that we find out a great deal about why Hillary is the way she is!!!! And someone that Rose cares about is endangered! I don't want to wait more than a month to get back to Henryetta!
February 1, 2016
What I love about these Novella's is we finally get inside the heads of the other major players and Ripple of Secrets lives up to it's name.
We learn that everyone is keeping a secret. While all the major players may be doing this for "noble" reason, lies and secrets never end well for anyone keeping them or those being kept from the truth.
It shall be an exciting time in Fenton County will the whole truth finally comes out!
We learn that everyone is keeping a secret. While all the major players may be doing this for "noble" reason, lies and secrets never end well for anyone keeping them or those being kept from the truth.
It shall be an exciting time in Fenton County will the whole truth finally comes out!
March 12, 2015
Part one was great ... eagerly awaiting part 2 in feb now! part 2 has left me shocked. I actually feel sorry for hilary now but would not be surprised if her baby was Joes dad's after that little revelation. Part 3 has left me biting at the bit to read the next book. Roll on April. Another great read by Denise Grover Swank.
August 12, 2017
You can't miss this amazing novella! Don't get me wrong, but you must read Rose Gardner Mystery series until #6 first! I love these short novellas, they give me so much more insight of what's going on in to heads of Denise's beloved characters, especially unexpected for me was Hilary's POV
Just amazing! Thank you Denise!
Just amazing! Thank you Denise!
February 19, 2015
I love this series! Can't wait for part three!
March 28, 2015
Team Joe! I hate Hilmonster!
March 13, 2015
Beautifully done! So many twists and turns and unexpected secrets coming to life! Brilliant little novella to hold me over until the next book is released!
April 15, 2015
I love these series but sometimes I little bit slow...
August 19, 2015
Nice insight into the lives of the main characters. Helps love Rose and her friends even more and helps us at least understand Hilary and the bad guys a bit better. :)
April 22, 2017
J.R. SIMMONS IS A SCUM OF THE EARTH!
November 30, 2022
So good. So much insight. I had a feeling that things with Hillary were as they ended up. I'm even wondering who's baby she's carrying. So sad for her. But as a grown-up, I wish she had had the fortitude and the strength to ask for help. She's still not my favorite person, and her pain doesn't excuse the pain she's heaped and is heaping on other people. But I feel for her in what she suffered both from her family and the Simmons'.
As for Mason, this book has shown a crack in his faith in Rose's love for him. I can see that he's always looking for her to make a mistake. I'm not sure how that will pan out in the future.
Joe is someone who I've wanted to have grown up and made/make better choices for a while. Instead of acting out all his life, I wish he had looked at other actions and seen things from their POV. He may not have lost Rose and been a better man by the time he met her if he had just seen the picture that was in front of him.
Kate is interesting. I'm hoping and praying she didn't suffer the same fate as Hillary. It's bad enough that J.R.'s grab for power in his personal and professional life has led him to behave in the abhorrent way that the has, but it would be ten times more disgusting if he acted out his horrible behavior on his child. He is definitely evil and should be eliminated at all costs.
As for Mason, this book has shown a crack in his faith in Rose's love for him. I can see that he's always looking for her to make a mistake. I'm not sure how that will pan out in the future.
Joe is someone who I've wanted to have grown up and made/make better choices for a while. Instead of acting out all his life, I wish he had looked at other actions and seen things from their POV. He may not have lost Rose and been a better man by the time he met her if he had just seen the picture that was in front of him.
Kate is interesting. I'm hoping and praying she didn't suffer the same fate as Hillary. It's bad enough that J.R.'s grab for power in his personal and professional life has led him to behave in the abhorrent way that the has, but it would be ten times more disgusting if he acted out his horrible behavior on his child. He is definitely evil and should be eliminated at all costs.
September 15, 2021
Ripple of Secrets (#6.5) — Denise Grover Swank (13 chapters) September 12, 2021
**NOTE: Trigger warning — There are two violent encounters against women in this story. Readers beware!**
It’s been a mighty long time since I have read #6, so it took me a while to get back into the story. But it came back slowly while I read this novella.
This is an interlude (though much more complete than most writer’s attempts.) Set during ht Christmas holiday, Rose has gone off to be with Mason and family and Joe is summoned home, where his sister shows up unexpectedly.
But Kate always has motives and though she jabs at Hilary, there is a foreboding sense that something big is about to happen.
This story builds up to the next book in the series, and really the final five books if I am honest. Though there is really no background for the previous books (this series really should be read in order else the reader will be undoubtedly confused,) still it did help give me some grounding as to what happened before and plants some seeds as to what some characters are truly like (read: evil) and where the route leads to next. Aside from the one chapter that had two violent scenes, I liked this book.
Overall, a good bridge to the next book.
Three stars.
**NOTE: Trigger warning — There are two violent encounters against women in this story. Readers beware!**
It’s been a mighty long time since I have read #6, so it took me a while to get back into the story. But it came back slowly while I read this novella.
This is an interlude (though much more complete than most writer’s attempts.) Set during ht Christmas holiday, Rose has gone off to be with Mason and family and Joe is summoned home, where his sister shows up unexpectedly.
But Kate always has motives and though she jabs at Hilary, there is a foreboding sense that something big is about to happen.
This story builds up to the next book in the series, and really the final five books if I am honest. Though there is really no background for the previous books (this series really should be read in order else the reader will be undoubtedly confused,) still it did help give me some grounding as to what happened before and plants some seeds as to what some characters are truly like (read: evil) and where the route leads to next. Aside from the one chapter that had two violent scenes, I liked this book.
Overall, a good bridge to the next book.
Three stars.
January 22, 2020
So I know I'm a little late to the rose Gardner mystery series but omg I couldn't put the darn books down. I stubbled up on the first book a long time ago and then got busy with life and never read it, so I decided a week and a half ago to finally read it. Once I finished the first book in a day in a half I went ahead and bought the 3 box sets that were available. I was glad I did it that way as I was able to read all the novellas in between as well. I ended up getting emersed into these books I read the whole rose Gardner mystery series in a week and a half I immedietly fell in love with all the characters and found myself rooting for relationships to last, others to end, and new Ines to start. I felt like I was part of the story so much that when some dangerous was happening my heart rate was going crazy, and then when something sad I felt emotional like these characters were real that they were my friends. I know it sounds weird but this author really makes you feel what's happening.
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