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Love Secrets Lies
Paradise is no more. She’s a stranger in her new home...... as she sails the choppy waters of teen life. Teresa longs for picture-perfect love, but in the real world you often have to say “No”, even if it breaks your heart.From tropical Mozambique to drab, 1970s Lisbon, from the golden beaches of Durban to five-star holidays in verdant, mountainous Madeira, and even the Moroccan kasbah, follow Teresa as she stumbles and falls and picks herself up again.Will Teresa’s grandparents let her out of their sight for a minute? Can she forge her own path in a country that struggles to emerge from fear and taboo? Will she find true love, or is she forever fated to navigate an ocean of boys who demand more than she is willing to give? “It’s emotional, it’s fun...it is outright inspiring. A roller coaster of emotion filtered through the candid eyes of a rebellious teenager” - Arturo Fuentes de La Orden
503 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2021
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 30, 2021
Love Secrets Lies is a very powerful and emotional read about being a teenage girl in a time period where the old traditions are warring with modern ways of thinking. A lot of times while reading Love Secrets Lies, I felt an emotional kinship with the main character, Teresa. She goes through a lot and she overcomes and develops strength and resilience. I think my favorite part was the richness in the exploration of the character's relationships and interactions. You can viscerally feel what Teresa is feeling when she is interacting with friends and family members and you can clearly see over the course of the book how each person in her life shapes who she becomes. Even if they are seemingly a side character. I did enjoy reading and I think readers who largely read memoirs or realistic fiction would enjoy it even more than I did.
It was part memoir part realistic fiction because in the beginning we are told that Love Secrets Lies is based on the author's life in some ways but is also fictitious in other ways.
Unfortunately, I think this limbo in between genres had me warring in my mind. I would expect some type of "objective" to be shared in the chapters to explain why the author was sharing the information/stories. "What "lesson" about Love Secrets Lies am I supposed to glean from this chapter?" I would constantly think.
But then, I would remind myself that it's not 100% a memoir and to just enjoy the journey. I don't read many memoirs, fiction based on true story memoirs, or realistic fiction. Those that I have read have been NYT bestsellers so I couldn't help but compare Love Secrets Lies to those in my mind while reading. Which is why I can't give it 5 stars. At times it felt rambly and disjointed or I would get confused. Further content editing would have helped with the length as well because it did feel very long. It took me almost the whole month to read when sometimes if I read a book and I'm really into it, I can finish in just a few days. I didn't feel the urgency to keep going and find out what would happen next.
If you read a lot of memoirs/realistic fiction and find that you enjoy the journey of these types of stories well without looking for the meaning or why the information is being shared, I think Love Secrets Lies would be very enjoyable for you. Also, if you're interested in reading a book from the perspective of a teenage girl living outside the US who develops strength and resilience and in a different time period than you and you'll experience a deep dive into human connection and how it shapes us in our formative years you'll enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of Love Secrets Lies from the author, Teresa Vale. It was my choice to read and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. This review is honest and my own opinion.
It was part memoir part realistic fiction because in the beginning we are told that Love Secrets Lies is based on the author's life in some ways but is also fictitious in other ways.
Unfortunately, I think this limbo in between genres had me warring in my mind. I would expect some type of "objective" to be shared in the chapters to explain why the author was sharing the information/stories. "What "lesson" about Love Secrets Lies am I supposed to glean from this chapter?" I would constantly think.
But then, I would remind myself that it's not 100% a memoir and to just enjoy the journey. I don't read many memoirs, fiction based on true story memoirs, or realistic fiction. Those that I have read have been NYT bestsellers so I couldn't help but compare Love Secrets Lies to those in my mind while reading. Which is why I can't give it 5 stars. At times it felt rambly and disjointed or I would get confused. Further content editing would have helped with the length as well because it did feel very long. It took me almost the whole month to read when sometimes if I read a book and I'm really into it, I can finish in just a few days. I didn't feel the urgency to keep going and find out what would happen next.
If you read a lot of memoirs/realistic fiction and find that you enjoy the journey of these types of stories well without looking for the meaning or why the information is being shared, I think Love Secrets Lies would be very enjoyable for you. Also, if you're interested in reading a book from the perspective of a teenage girl living outside the US who develops strength and resilience and in a different time period than you and you'll experience a deep dive into human connection and how it shapes us in our formative years you'll enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of Love Secrets Lies from the author, Teresa Vale. It was my choice to read and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. This review is honest and my own opinion.
November 25, 2022
This book tells such a touching and captivating story! This is a powerful and emotional read about a teenage girl who comes of age during a time when things were difficult and on the cusp of change.
This book was an extremely well written account of the author’s experiences. Even though tough and heavy topics are covered, it’s navigated in a way that makes it enjoyable to read. There was no point in which I wanted to put it down. There were many moments during this book that I found enlightening and humorous.
If you enjoy memoirs or realistic fiction this might be the book for you!
This book was an extremely well written account of the author’s experiences. Even though tough and heavy topics are covered, it’s navigated in a way that makes it enjoyable to read. There was no point in which I wanted to put it down. There were many moments during this book that I found enlightening and humorous.
If you enjoy memoirs or realistic fiction this might be the book for you!
August 16, 2021
Love Secrets Lies is fascinating, heart-breaking, searingly honest narration told in the face of extremes of life. It's a story of an African girl who comes of age during the revolutionary years in a country gripped in the stranglehold of the dictatorship, tradition, rampant poverty and unemployment, and the seemingly ubiquitous curse of being a girl in paternalistic society.
This absolutely entrancing story began approximately 40 years ago, in 1975. A revolution had just ended 48 years of corporatist dictatorship only the previous year. With the revolution, the country and the African territories that were under colonial rule were fundamentally transformed, becoming independent countries. This was the case in Mozambique, where the protagonist of our story, Teresa Fidalgo, lived.
Born in Mozambique, Teresa and her younger brother Brownie were taken to live with their grandparents, Afonso and Paulina, at young ages following their parents' divorce. Raised by a strict grandparents Teresa and Brownie turned to each other for comfort. They both have insight and compassion and both have shown enormous courage in almost intolerable situations. She and her family had to flee their home with civil war and political unrest creating turmoil in their quiet life, so they were forced to leave behind their life and seek refuge in Portugal, along with a million other "the returned," as they were referred to by their European-born countrymen. It is galling to think that this description of unreasoning prejudice is in a so-called “free” country.
As Teresa and her family arrived in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, they discovered a nation undergoing great turmoil. In the early days of democracy, freedom was on everyone's lips, but the rigid, hypocritical morals of the dictatorship still influenced people's hearts and minds. As a result, the young experienced sexual repression from both their parents and elders, becoming entangled in taboos all the times.
In this world, neither parents nor children trusted each other, so lying was the only way to survive. In the case of teenagers, the concept of "survival" meant experiencing perfectly normal teenage things: attending parties, slow dancing with a crush, and having your first relationship or experiencing love. It’s difficult to imagine anything worse than a childhood crushed under the oppressive conditions social norms.
Being a girl in an authoritarian and paternalistic society meant experiencing a normal teenage life is a great deal of thought. Teresa must keep secrets and challenge the rules of her elders with lies and tricks to find love and a path of her own in this world. There is so much to unpack here as Teresa deals holistically with the fate of being an African in Europe, being a girl in the society that has biased opinion towards women, and female sexuality. There is an infinite depth in this book that can reveal itself more and more with each successive read.
The book focuses on Teresa's journey from Mozambique Lisbon, from to Madeira. The story, in a nutshell is about Teresa, an African girl, now living in Portugal, overcomes sexual oppression, racial oppression, and the separation of herself and her parents. She goes through several lifetimes of pain and hurt, but ends up a strong woman in the end. There is a lot here about identity, defining oneself in one’s own terms and not the owner’s for example. Also, there is commentary on the need for and value of community.
The book has many characters that transform completely during the book. Each character has their own voice and the characters are very deep. The writing is wonderful. It changes as the characters grow and age. There are many memorable characters, good and bad, in this book. The characters are not caricatures as they are well-developed and multi-dimensional, author has not only revealed both their good and bad sides to the readers but also the reasons why they behave or think that way. Even the secondary characters like Afonso, Paulina or Brownie contributes in bringing out the nature of the main character.
Love Secrets Lies holds so much wisdom and experience. It is a work of love, loss, and misery, tempered only by hope. It's a story about the layers of discrimination and prejudice that surround women against society. Ultimately this is a triumphant work of self-realization and independence of a woman who learns she can speak out in the world and can find love and her identity. Needless to say there is not a lot of joy within, but there are occasional glimpses. The novel does end on a surge of hope and another fantastic visual. It's hard to believe that this is Teresa Vale's debut novel, she writes with such clarity, bringing the many characters to life, both in terms of their feelings, and the situations that they had to face, and it's such a powerful piece of social history, that I would recommend it without reservation. I cannot wait to see what this already accomplished author will tackle next.
This absolutely entrancing story began approximately 40 years ago, in 1975. A revolution had just ended 48 years of corporatist dictatorship only the previous year. With the revolution, the country and the African territories that were under colonial rule were fundamentally transformed, becoming independent countries. This was the case in Mozambique, where the protagonist of our story, Teresa Fidalgo, lived.
Born in Mozambique, Teresa and her younger brother Brownie were taken to live with their grandparents, Afonso and Paulina, at young ages following their parents' divorce. Raised by a strict grandparents Teresa and Brownie turned to each other for comfort. They both have insight and compassion and both have shown enormous courage in almost intolerable situations. She and her family had to flee their home with civil war and political unrest creating turmoil in their quiet life, so they were forced to leave behind their life and seek refuge in Portugal, along with a million other "the returned," as they were referred to by their European-born countrymen. It is galling to think that this description of unreasoning prejudice is in a so-called “free” country.
As Teresa and her family arrived in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, they discovered a nation undergoing great turmoil. In the early days of democracy, freedom was on everyone's lips, but the rigid, hypocritical morals of the dictatorship still influenced people's hearts and minds. As a result, the young experienced sexual repression from both their parents and elders, becoming entangled in taboos all the times.
In this world, neither parents nor children trusted each other, so lying was the only way to survive. In the case of teenagers, the concept of "survival" meant experiencing perfectly normal teenage things: attending parties, slow dancing with a crush, and having your first relationship or experiencing love. It’s difficult to imagine anything worse than a childhood crushed under the oppressive conditions social norms.
Being a girl in an authoritarian and paternalistic society meant experiencing a normal teenage life is a great deal of thought. Teresa must keep secrets and challenge the rules of her elders with lies and tricks to find love and a path of her own in this world. There is so much to unpack here as Teresa deals holistically with the fate of being an African in Europe, being a girl in the society that has biased opinion towards women, and female sexuality. There is an infinite depth in this book that can reveal itself more and more with each successive read.
The book focuses on Teresa's journey from Mozambique Lisbon, from to Madeira. The story, in a nutshell is about Teresa, an African girl, now living in Portugal, overcomes sexual oppression, racial oppression, and the separation of herself and her parents. She goes through several lifetimes of pain and hurt, but ends up a strong woman in the end. There is a lot here about identity, defining oneself in one’s own terms and not the owner’s for example. Also, there is commentary on the need for and value of community.
The book has many characters that transform completely during the book. Each character has their own voice and the characters are very deep. The writing is wonderful. It changes as the characters grow and age. There are many memorable characters, good and bad, in this book. The characters are not caricatures as they are well-developed and multi-dimensional, author has not only revealed both their good and bad sides to the readers but also the reasons why they behave or think that way. Even the secondary characters like Afonso, Paulina or Brownie contributes in bringing out the nature of the main character.
Love Secrets Lies holds so much wisdom and experience. It is a work of love, loss, and misery, tempered only by hope. It's a story about the layers of discrimination and prejudice that surround women against society. Ultimately this is a triumphant work of self-realization and independence of a woman who learns she can speak out in the world and can find love and her identity. Needless to say there is not a lot of joy within, but there are occasional glimpses. The novel does end on a surge of hope and another fantastic visual. It's hard to believe that this is Teresa Vale's debut novel, she writes with such clarity, bringing the many characters to life, both in terms of their feelings, and the situations that they had to face, and it's such a powerful piece of social history, that I would recommend it without reservation. I cannot wait to see what this already accomplished author will tackle next.
February 9, 2023
This book was a unique blend of memoir/realistic fiction, and it pretty much flowed between the two seamlessly. It is the story of Teresa, a teenage girl who is coming of age. She at times struggles with some of the more old-fashioned ideology of those around her, but through it all, perseveres. The author did a beautiful job of evoking emotion throughout the story, and the characters were all well-developed. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories, this may be one for you 😊
Thank you to Teresa Vale for the review copy!
Thank you to Teresa Vale for the review copy!
September 15, 2022
When I first got the email from the author requesting that I review her book, I almost said no. As a rule, I do not review anything that resembles even resembles a biography or an autobiography. But the sweetness of the request email and the blurb that I read on Amazon sold me on reading the book. I am glad I did because this was a fantastic book.
Love Secrets Lies is the story of Teresa and her journey to adulthood. Teresa was forced out of Mozambique as a young teenager when that country became politically unstable. She, her brother, her grandparents, and her parents fled to Portugal. Teresa and her brother settled in Libson with her grandparents while her father and mother (divorced) went to North Portugal and England. Teresa is a headstrong, opinionated young lady growing up in 1970s Portugal. Can Teresa overcome the obstacles of her childhood (mainly her very strict grandparents) and become the woman she wants to be?
I loved Teresa. She was a vibrantly written character who made me laugh during the book. I have a seventeen-year-old daughter, and I could see her getting into some of the shenanigans that Teresa got into. The whole kissing scene had me in tears laughing because, well, it was relatable. How many of us enjoyed our first kiss? And how many of us had the experience that Teresa had? I did find her a little tiring during certain scenes (the political scenes I skimmed over). But other than that, I loved her joy in life. It exuded from the book.
I liked seeing what it is like for a teenage girl growing up in the 70s and outside of the USA. It was very refreshing. Plus, I got to experience the 70s through her, which was a trip in itself.
Teresa had several romances throughout the book. The author didn’t hold back with them. She showed the good, the bad, and the ugly. And oh man, did the ugly get nasty towards the end. Teresa went through a terrifying situation that could have turned out bad if a certain someone didn’t step up for her.
Sexually, this is a very clean book. There are a few kissing scenes, one where Teresa and her boyfriend do heavy petting, and one very memorable scene where Teresa’s boyfriend uses a pillow as a cover for his privates (and as a supposed sexy gesture??). The author never details what Teresa is doing, but there is enough said that I could figure it out. I knew she wasn’t having sex (the author often stressed her virginity in the book).
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was how bratty and immature Teresa sometimes came across. But, saying that, she was a teenager living under stringent rules. So I kept an open mind while reading.
I also want to mention the locations that this book took me to. South Africa, different areas of Portugal, and Mozambique are among the few places that the author mentioned in the book. The author vividly described every site to the point where I could picture it in my head.
The end of Love Secrets Lies was a bit of a cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to reading book 2!!
I would recommend Love Secrets Lies to anyone over 16. There is mild language, violence, and mild and non-graphic sexual situations. There is also underage drinking and smoking.
Love Secrets Lies is the story of Teresa and her journey to adulthood. Teresa was forced out of Mozambique as a young teenager when that country became politically unstable. She, her brother, her grandparents, and her parents fled to Portugal. Teresa and her brother settled in Libson with her grandparents while her father and mother (divorced) went to North Portugal and England. Teresa is a headstrong, opinionated young lady growing up in 1970s Portugal. Can Teresa overcome the obstacles of her childhood (mainly her very strict grandparents) and become the woman she wants to be?
I loved Teresa. She was a vibrantly written character who made me laugh during the book. I have a seventeen-year-old daughter, and I could see her getting into some of the shenanigans that Teresa got into. The whole kissing scene had me in tears laughing because, well, it was relatable. How many of us enjoyed our first kiss? And how many of us had the experience that Teresa had? I did find her a little tiring during certain scenes (the political scenes I skimmed over). But other than that, I loved her joy in life. It exuded from the book.
I liked seeing what it is like for a teenage girl growing up in the 70s and outside of the USA. It was very refreshing. Plus, I got to experience the 70s through her, which was a trip in itself.
Teresa had several romances throughout the book. The author didn’t hold back with them. She showed the good, the bad, and the ugly. And oh man, did the ugly get nasty towards the end. Teresa went through a terrifying situation that could have turned out bad if a certain someone didn’t step up for her.
Sexually, this is a very clean book. There are a few kissing scenes, one where Teresa and her boyfriend do heavy petting, and one very memorable scene where Teresa’s boyfriend uses a pillow as a cover for his privates (and as a supposed sexy gesture??). The author never details what Teresa is doing, but there is enough said that I could figure it out. I knew she wasn’t having sex (the author often stressed her virginity in the book).
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was how bratty and immature Teresa sometimes came across. But, saying that, she was a teenager living under stringent rules. So I kept an open mind while reading.
I also want to mention the locations that this book took me to. South Africa, different areas of Portugal, and Mozambique are among the few places that the author mentioned in the book. The author vividly described every site to the point where I could picture it in my head.
The end of Love Secrets Lies was a bit of a cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to reading book 2!!
I would recommend Love Secrets Lies to anyone over 16. There is mild language, violence, and mild and non-graphic sexual situations. There is also underage drinking and smoking.
April 4, 2023
This one was a unique combination of memoir and realistic fiction. Such an emotional journey of finding oneself!
Based in the 1970s, this is a coming of age story of Teresa, from her life in Mozambique to Lisbon. Her parents are divorced and she lives with grandparents. As we walk through her journey, we see how her family was forced to flee Mozambique due to political tension, her first kiss and her search for true love.
Teresa’s character and life, both are very relatable in bits. We all have a heart break, make memorable moments with our friends or have constantly made an effort to blend in a new place (at least I have). We also see her struggles with grandparents' old-fashioned ideologies. But I love how her grandparents instilled the importance of education and the need for a good career into her, which is very important for a stable life, especially for women.
I like the author’s writing style. So light yet heavy with emotions. The narration was captivating and character development was very defined. Only Issue I had was the editing of the book. The chapters could have been short and compact. But, the good thing is, the story was gripping and it still kept me invested throughout.
This story will make you emotional at times and nostalgic about your teenage days at others. If you enjoy memoirs/ realistic fiction, you can give it a go!
Based in the 1970s, this is a coming of age story of Teresa, from her life in Mozambique to Lisbon. Her parents are divorced and she lives with grandparents. As we walk through her journey, we see how her family was forced to flee Mozambique due to political tension, her first kiss and her search for true love.
Teresa’s character and life, both are very relatable in bits. We all have a heart break, make memorable moments with our friends or have constantly made an effort to blend in a new place (at least I have). We also see her struggles with grandparents' old-fashioned ideologies. But I love how her grandparents instilled the importance of education and the need for a good career into her, which is very important for a stable life, especially for women.
I like the author’s writing style. So light yet heavy with emotions. The narration was captivating and character development was very defined. Only Issue I had was the editing of the book. The chapters could have been short and compact. But, the good thing is, the story was gripping and it still kept me invested throughout.
This story will make you emotional at times and nostalgic about your teenage days at others. If you enjoy memoirs/ realistic fiction, you can give it a go!
May 23, 2021
Es emotiva, es divertida…, es sencillamente inspiradora. Un carrusel de emociones a través de los cándidos ojos de una adolescente rebelde.
October 21, 2021
Finally, a book that made me smile all the way through to the end. Love Secret Lies is one of the best books I have read so far this year. Having lived my teens in an African country around the same time as the protagonist, I found a bit of myself in the narrator as her stories allowed me to recall elements of my youth, pivotal moments that become the foundation of who we are as adults.
Teresa Fidalgo was raised in Mozambique in a strict household. Her parents are divorced and she and her brother live with their grandparents who are very protective and run a tight ship. It’s the 70s and the grandparents believe in traditional family values and proper manners. Teresa lives a charmed life until it’s upended when, at twelve, she and her family are forced to flee to Portugal to escape extreme violence and political persecution, leaving behind everything they have worked for. Forced to say goodbye to her old friends, Teresa has difficulty adjusting to her new environment. Moreover, her grandparents become even more rigorous. She’s a strong-willed teenager who wants to embrace her youth, hang out with friends and have fun. She hates being dominated by old-fashioned rules, whether by her grandparents or the boys and young men she encounters along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Teresa’s journey as she grows from child to young woman, one who’s increasingly aware of the first stirrings of her sexuality yet holds firm to her solid morals as ingrained into her by her grandparents and cultural background.
The tone of the book is light and upbeat, while also discussing some heavy topics. The slyly injected humor, the accuracy in depicting the era, the presentation of societal and political issues are all elements that intrigue the reader. I laughed out loud at the author’s liberal use of metaphors and similes, but what truly hooked me was her unique descriptive language. I mean, how often do you read phrases such as “… a towering, modern-day Siegfried walked into the room, golden-haired, with green eyes like mountain ponds catching the sunlight filtered through the leaves of ancient firs.”
I loved the glimpses of the protagonist’s summers spent in Madeira and the many places she visits with her family, and smiled often as I conjured up the images the author so graciously provides. This isn’t the typical Young Adult or coming of age novel; it’s a story for anyone who is or has been a teenager, one that was such a delight to read. To think this is Ms. Vale’s debut novel is mind-boggling. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us!
Teresa Fidalgo was raised in Mozambique in a strict household. Her parents are divorced and she and her brother live with their grandparents who are very protective and run a tight ship. It’s the 70s and the grandparents believe in traditional family values and proper manners. Teresa lives a charmed life until it’s upended when, at twelve, she and her family are forced to flee to Portugal to escape extreme violence and political persecution, leaving behind everything they have worked for. Forced to say goodbye to her old friends, Teresa has difficulty adjusting to her new environment. Moreover, her grandparents become even more rigorous. She’s a strong-willed teenager who wants to embrace her youth, hang out with friends and have fun. She hates being dominated by old-fashioned rules, whether by her grandparents or the boys and young men she encounters along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Teresa’s journey as she grows from child to young woman, one who’s increasingly aware of the first stirrings of her sexuality yet holds firm to her solid morals as ingrained into her by her grandparents and cultural background.
The tone of the book is light and upbeat, while also discussing some heavy topics. The slyly injected humor, the accuracy in depicting the era, the presentation of societal and political issues are all elements that intrigue the reader. I laughed out loud at the author’s liberal use of metaphors and similes, but what truly hooked me was her unique descriptive language. I mean, how often do you read phrases such as “… a towering, modern-day Siegfried walked into the room, golden-haired, with green eyes like mountain ponds catching the sunlight filtered through the leaves of ancient firs.”
I loved the glimpses of the protagonist’s summers spent in Madeira and the many places she visits with her family, and smiled often as I conjured up the images the author so graciously provides. This isn’t the typical Young Adult or coming of age novel; it’s a story for anyone who is or has been a teenager, one that was such a delight to read. To think this is Ms. Vale’s debut novel is mind-boggling. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us!
July 24, 2023
Love Secrets Lies by Teresa Vale, edited by Jorge M. Machado, takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of Teresa. Set against various vibrant backdrops, the story explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating adolescence.
From the exotic shores of Mozambique to the seemingly mundane streets of 1970s Lisbon, Teresa's experiences unfold in a way that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The author's vivid descriptions transport us to each location, immersing us in the atmosphere and culture of the places Teresa encounters.
The heart of the narrative lies in Teresa's quest for love, which is anything but simple. We witness her wrestle with the complexities of teenage relationships and the compromises they demand. Teresa's candid voice adds depth to her character, and her emotional journey is relatable and inspiring.
The book successfully captures the roller coaster of emotions experienced by a rebellious teenager. It balances tender moments with heartbreak, allowing readers to empathize with Teresa's struggles and victories. Through it all, the strong presence of Teresa's grandparents and the societal constraints they impose on her adds another layer of tension and personal growth.
Love Secrets Lies is an emotional and captivating read. The author's storytelling prowess, combined with Machado's skilled editing, creates a seamless narrative that will leave readers reflecting on their own experiences of love, freedom, and self-identity.
From the exotic shores of Mozambique to the seemingly mundane streets of 1970s Lisbon, Teresa's experiences unfold in a way that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The author's vivid descriptions transport us to each location, immersing us in the atmosphere and culture of the places Teresa encounters.
The heart of the narrative lies in Teresa's quest for love, which is anything but simple. We witness her wrestle with the complexities of teenage relationships and the compromises they demand. Teresa's candid voice adds depth to her character, and her emotional journey is relatable and inspiring.
The book successfully captures the roller coaster of emotions experienced by a rebellious teenager. It balances tender moments with heartbreak, allowing readers to empathize with Teresa's struggles and victories. Through it all, the strong presence of Teresa's grandparents and the societal constraints they impose on her adds another layer of tension and personal growth.
Love Secrets Lies is an emotional and captivating read. The author's storytelling prowess, combined with Machado's skilled editing, creates a seamless narrative that will leave readers reflecting on their own experiences of love, freedom, and self-identity.
March 5, 2022
🫂 It’s been cold here for us Californians lately (getting in to the 30’s and 40’s) so I’ve loved snuggling up and reading Love Secrets Lies. Teresa has put her heart on these pages with the book having been inspired by her life.
It was amazing to read about the political strife that she grew up in. I couldn’t imagine how terrifying it was to live in constant fear and to have to flee repeatedly from your home and your country in order to be safe, but Teresa describes it so well that I could truly envision it.
What really struck me was that even amidst revolution and political unrest, life went on. As young girls, Teresa and her friends were just coming into their own, worried about boys and love and regular things of adolescence. I also completely related to Teresa loathing being tall at that age. I was always taller than boys before they finally caught up in high school.
It was interesting to see the dichotomy of both truths playing out. That at the same time both worlds could exist- an innocent one and a harsh, volatile one.
🎶 Teresa, like any teenager, had a song for every mood, every occasion, for joy or heartbreak. You can find her playlist on Spotify. So cool!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Takeaway: a powerful and emotional story of a girl going through adolescence with a political revolution playing out in the background.
It was amazing to read about the political strife that she grew up in. I couldn’t imagine how terrifying it was to live in constant fear and to have to flee repeatedly from your home and your country in order to be safe, but Teresa describes it so well that I could truly envision it.
What really struck me was that even amidst revolution and political unrest, life went on. As young girls, Teresa and her friends were just coming into their own, worried about boys and love and regular things of adolescence. I also completely related to Teresa loathing being tall at that age. I was always taller than boys before they finally caught up in high school.
It was interesting to see the dichotomy of both truths playing out. That at the same time both worlds could exist- an innocent one and a harsh, volatile one.
🎶 Teresa, like any teenager, had a song for every mood, every occasion, for joy or heartbreak. You can find her playlist on Spotify. So cool!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Takeaway: a powerful and emotional story of a girl going through adolescence with a political revolution playing out in the background.
January 4, 2023
Thank you Teresa Vale for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my opinion on the book.
I was interested in reading the book because it's historical fiction based in the mid 1970s. The main character in the book is Teresa whose family has left Mozambique and moved to Lisbon as the political situation became unsafe. Teresa and her brother are living with her grandparents as her parents have divorced and are sorting out their own lives. Teresa is a young teen with a strong personality and a very independent nature. Her grandparents are very traditional and strict about how she can spend her time. Although Teresa's Grandfather is traditionalist he has instilled the importance of an education and career in his granddaughter.
I enjoyed the way the book was written and it kept my attention from the first page to the last page. I was vested in seeing how Teresa navigated through her adolescence and dating life. Her character was amusing as she was very independent, pragmatic, and mischievous. I wanted to learn more about Mozambique and this book has inspired me to read more about this time period going forward. The book feels mostly like contemporary fiction with a bit of historical fiction. I am looking forward to reading other books by her. I have already recommended this book to a few of my friends.
I was interested in reading the book because it's historical fiction based in the mid 1970s. The main character in the book is Teresa whose family has left Mozambique and moved to Lisbon as the political situation became unsafe. Teresa and her brother are living with her grandparents as her parents have divorced and are sorting out their own lives. Teresa is a young teen with a strong personality and a very independent nature. Her grandparents are very traditional and strict about how she can spend her time. Although Teresa's Grandfather is traditionalist he has instilled the importance of an education and career in his granddaughter.
I enjoyed the way the book was written and it kept my attention from the first page to the last page. I was vested in seeing how Teresa navigated through her adolescence and dating life. Her character was amusing as she was very independent, pragmatic, and mischievous. I wanted to learn more about Mozambique and this book has inspired me to read more about this time period going forward. The book feels mostly like contemporary fiction with a bit of historical fiction. I am looking forward to reading other books by her. I have already recommended this book to a few of my friends.
September 29, 2022
Love Secrets Lies
Teresa Vale
Rating 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
Genre: Coming of age
Review:
I've been reading this book slowly to savour it and I finished it and wasn't disappointed it was such an amazing journey to go through with Teresa our MC. It was an enlightening book because the MC lives in a time of war and separation between nations, being the new kid at school, moving away from her hometown, and just being a teenager in a dysfunctional household. I loved how the author had written it with gusto and the mark of a teenager in every are from the start and progressing to the MCs mature self. The book is a wholesome read that everyone will love, the book is a little on the bigger side which might put off some people but trust me this one is a gold mine to dig and treasures to unravel!
The book has relatable characters who are realistic and simple yet with intricate personalities, the plot was steadily progressive, the writing style is easy to tap into, the language was lucid, the title is perfect for the story and the cover is just plain gorgeousness! Overall a book that I'd love to buddy read with someone if you're up for it!! 😉💙
Teresa Vale
Rating 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
Genre: Coming of age
Review:
I've been reading this book slowly to savour it and I finished it and wasn't disappointed it was such an amazing journey to go through with Teresa our MC. It was an enlightening book because the MC lives in a time of war and separation between nations, being the new kid at school, moving away from her hometown, and just being a teenager in a dysfunctional household. I loved how the author had written it with gusto and the mark of a teenager in every are from the start and progressing to the MCs mature self. The book is a wholesome read that everyone will love, the book is a little on the bigger side which might put off some people but trust me this one is a gold mine to dig and treasures to unravel!
The book has relatable characters who are realistic and simple yet with intricate personalities, the plot was steadily progressive, the writing style is easy to tap into, the language was lucid, the title is perfect for the story and the cover is just plain gorgeousness! Overall a book that I'd love to buddy read with someone if you're up for it!! 😉💙
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