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Carly Moore #7
Keeper of Secrets
The final book in the Carly Moore series.
Carly had every intention of heading to Dallas to bring down her father, but not as Wyatt Drummond’s hostage. After Wyatt kidnaps her at gunpoint and threatens to turn her over to her father--the man she’s spent the past nine months hiding from--she explains that his plan will get them both killed. But then he has a surprising revelation she’s not sure she should believe.
Marco Roland is devastated when he realizes his girlfriend has been kidnapped, and he’ll do anything to save her. Even if it means crossing lines he never thought he’d breach.
And back in Drum, Tennessee, Max Drummond is forced to confront ugly truths about his family’s past and present.
With the help of old friends, Carly must decide who can best help her confront her father with proof of his lies and deceptions. If she doesn’t end up murdered first…
Carly had every intention of heading to Dallas to bring down her father, but not as Wyatt Drummond’s hostage. After Wyatt kidnaps her at gunpoint and threatens to turn her over to her father--the man she’s spent the past nine months hiding from--she explains that his plan will get them both killed. But then he has a surprising revelation she’s not sure she should believe.
Marco Roland is devastated when he realizes his girlfriend has been kidnapped, and he’ll do anything to save her. Even if it means crossing lines he never thought he’d breach.
And back in Drum, Tennessee, Max Drummond is forced to confront ugly truths about his family’s past and present.
With the help of old friends, Carly must decide who can best help her confront her father with proof of his lies and deceptions. If she doesn’t end up murdered first…
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2022
510 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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August 29, 2023
Keeper of Secrets is book seven in the Carly Moore series by Denise Grover Swank. This is the epic, and I mean EPIC, finale to this series. It starts right up where book six left off. You need to read this series in order.
Book six ended in a huge cliff hanger so I have been so excited to see how this series ends. I love Carly. I’ve walked this journey with her from the first word of the first book. I swooned right along with her as she fell in love with Marco. I grieved with her as she lost people she cared about. Carly has grown so much from that timid woman that first showed up in Drum, Tennessee.
Carly has been kidnapped by Wyatt Drummond. The love of her life, Marco, and the man that has been more of a father to her than her own father, Hank, and her good friend and boss, Max (Wyatt’s brother) are in Drum, in a panic as to how to save her. Hank and Marco pursue her while Max is forced to stay behind to handle even more shocking truths that have surfaced about his father.
Throughout this book, Carly is forced to figure out what Wyatt is really up to. Is he lying or is he finally being honest? Can she trust him? The one thing that she knows for certain is that it’s time to finally face her father, Randall Blakely. That she can’t continue to run for the rest of her life, constantly looking over her shoulder. That she needs to confront him and try to get the evidence she needs to put him away forever.
This book is non-stop from the beginning to the end. I was literally breathless. I stayed up way too late last night because I needed to get to the final page. I will say that it ends a bit abruptly, BUT, there is a download link for an epilogue which greatly helped with the closure I needed.
This series has been one adventure after another and I have loved watching Carly become the woman she is at the end. She is so much stronger then she ever imagined she could be but she is still the loving, caring woman with a huge heart as well. She has found the love of her life in Marco. Now all she needs to do is stay alive long enough so they can have the future they both dream of. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time, with the entire series finished and waiting for you. Get ready for a wild ride.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Book six ended in a huge cliff hanger so I have been so excited to see how this series ends. I love Carly. I’ve walked this journey with her from the first word of the first book. I swooned right along with her as she fell in love with Marco. I grieved with her as she lost people she cared about. Carly has grown so much from that timid woman that first showed up in Drum, Tennessee.
Carly has been kidnapped by Wyatt Drummond. The love of her life, Marco, and the man that has been more of a father to her than her own father, Hank, and her good friend and boss, Max (Wyatt’s brother) are in Drum, in a panic as to how to save her. Hank and Marco pursue her while Max is forced to stay behind to handle even more shocking truths that have surfaced about his father.
Throughout this book, Carly is forced to figure out what Wyatt is really up to. Is he lying or is he finally being honest? Can she trust him? The one thing that she knows for certain is that it’s time to finally face her father, Randall Blakely. That she can’t continue to run for the rest of her life, constantly looking over her shoulder. That she needs to confront him and try to get the evidence she needs to put him away forever.
This book is non-stop from the beginning to the end. I was literally breathless. I stayed up way too late last night because I needed to get to the final page. I will say that it ends a bit abruptly, BUT, there is a download link for an epilogue which greatly helped with the closure I needed.
This series has been one adventure after another and I have loved watching Carly become the woman she is at the end. She is so much stronger then she ever imagined she could be but she is still the loving, caring woman with a huge heart as well. She has found the love of her life in Marco. Now all she needs to do is stay alive long enough so they can have the future they both dream of. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time, with the entire series finished and waiting for you. Get ready for a wild ride.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 30, 2022
3.5/5.0
Oh… it actually HURTS me to not give this book the 5 star rating I so enthusiastically planned on giving it throughout the first 3/4 of the book. It starts with a bang and continues in all the awesomeness that Ms. Swank (who I absolutely adore) is so incredibly good at. I have cherished this series, impatiently waiting for each new installment, then eagerly diving in and relishing every single word for years - right along with the entire Rose Gardner and Neely Kate series that preceded it. (They really are that good.)
So, why not the five stars it could (and should) have been given? Well, the reason revolves mostly around the fact that it is the finale for the entire series. That MUST be remembered to understand. It’s the book that should wrap everything up and leave us with a satisfying closure (IMHO). We’ve spent considerable amounts of money and time on seven books to get here. And, the majority of the book looked like that is exactly the road we were on. It is an exciting, page-turning lalapalooza of crazy twists and turns.
Then comes the ending. There is a huge climax, revelations exposed, people killed, shock, horror, sadness. The end. *In order to help others understand, I’ll need to write my reactions* “Wait…[turns page] that’s it?…. [re-reads the last few pages… then turns last page again] What exactly happened with Jake? What happened to the HUGE Skeeter Malcom situation? What is going on with Hank? What about Rose, Neely Kate and Jed? IT’S ALL LEFT HANGING or murky, with NO answers!
Then I notice a paragraph before all the acknowledgements stating that if I sign up to the author’s newsletter, I can read an epilogue that wraps everything up… Are you kidding me? Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME? I have purchased, invested SO much time, lived and loved seven stinking books only to be blackmailed to get a satisfying ending? Oh HECKA NO!
If this is the future of series, I am seriously going to be p*#&ed. Five stars dive-bombed to zero in one page. Must be a record.
Oh… it actually HURTS me to not give this book the 5 star rating I so enthusiastically planned on giving it throughout the first 3/4 of the book. It starts with a bang and continues in all the awesomeness that Ms. Swank (who I absolutely adore) is so incredibly good at. I have cherished this series, impatiently waiting for each new installment, then eagerly diving in and relishing every single word for years - right along with the entire Rose Gardner and Neely Kate series that preceded it. (They really are that good.)
So, why not the five stars it could (and should) have been given? Well, the reason revolves mostly around the fact that it is the finale for the entire series. That MUST be remembered to understand. It’s the book that should wrap everything up and leave us with a satisfying closure (IMHO). We’ve spent considerable amounts of money and time on seven books to get here. And, the majority of the book looked like that is exactly the road we were on. It is an exciting, page-turning lalapalooza of crazy twists and turns.
Then comes the ending. There is a huge climax, revelations exposed, people killed, shock, horror, sadness. The end. *In order to help others understand, I’ll need to write my reactions* “Wait…[turns page] that’s it?…. [re-reads the last few pages… then turns last page again] What exactly happened with Jake? What happened to the HUGE Skeeter Malcom situation? What is going on with Hank? What about Rose, Neely Kate and Jed? IT’S ALL LEFT HANGING or murky, with NO answers!
Then I notice a paragraph before all the acknowledgements stating that if I sign up to the author’s newsletter, I can read an epilogue that wraps everything up… Are you kidding me? Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME? I have purchased, invested SO much time, lived and loved seven stinking books only to be blackmailed to get a satisfying ending? Oh HECKA NO!
If this is the future of series, I am seriously going to be p*#&ed. Five stars dive-bombed to zero in one page. Must be a record.
January 9, 2023
This is the last book of the series and it totally blew me away! I didn't not see these things coming but I'm not mad it ended the way it did. It was so entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat! The twists and turns blew my mind. But it ended exactly as it was supposed to and I really loved the whole book. I loved the whole series!
I love these characters and I'm going to miss them so much now that the series is over!
I love these characters and I'm going to miss them so much now that the series is over!
December 30, 2022
What a perfect ending for the series. Sorry to see it end because it's a great series. Sigh. 😁
December 27, 2022
This ending is wild y’all!! Hang on to your seats, because it was such a thrilling read!!
The twists and turns pack a punch and I must say that several revelations shocked me.
I’m sad to say goodbye to Carly, Marco, Hank, and Max but I plan to revisit them often.
If you’re a fan of murder mystery and sleuthing be sure to check this series out. It’s a must read!
The twists and turns pack a punch and I must say that several revelations shocked me.
I’m sad to say goodbye to Carly, Marco, Hank, and Max but I plan to revisit them often.
If you’re a fan of murder mystery and sleuthing be sure to check this series out. It’s a must read!
December 24, 2022
The highly anticipated series conclusion, The Keeper of Secrets, is a suspense filled tale complete surprising twists and turns. I was literally holding my breath at multiple points throughout the action packed story!
I don’t know how Denise does it, she writes characters that are so rich and vibrant you can’t help but be sucked into their complex world. In this installment, we get POV’s from Carly and Marco, and this added layer makes the storyline even more compelling.
While it’s SO hard to see this series end, because boy do I hate saying goodbye to these characters, the conclusion to Carly’s story is everything readers could have hoped for and more. I recommend you clear you calendar and buckle up for this wild ride!
I don’t know how Denise does it, she writes characters that are so rich and vibrant you can’t help but be sucked into their complex world. In this installment, we get POV’s from Carly and Marco, and this added layer makes the storyline even more compelling.
While it’s SO hard to see this series end, because boy do I hate saying goodbye to these characters, the conclusion to Carly’s story is everything readers could have hoped for and more. I recommend you clear you calendar and buckle up for this wild ride!
December 24, 2022
I was so excited to get back into the world of Drum, TN and see how Carly was going to end her series and this did NOT disappoint! Full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. Bittersweet to see Carly’s series come to an end, but what an end it was. Carly has grown so much and I loved seeing her become her true self and taking charge of her life. There’s a brief crossover with Rose Gardner and co (contains spoilers for that series!) and I was so freaking excited to get a taste of some of those characters too. With POVs from Carly, Marco, and Hank, the story keeps you drawn in and needing to know what happens next. I even teared up at the end. One of my favorite reads of the year!
February 17, 2023
What a wild ride the Carly Moore series has been!!! It was an enjoyable series with the perfect amount of suspense and many shocking twists and turns. As the series comes to an end with Keeper of Secrets, Denise does an amazing job tying up loose ends and I finally got answers to those outstanding questions that have been piling up throughout the series.
It is always bittersweet when a great book series ends. I enjoyed getting to know Carly, Hank, Marco, and Max and would love to have a spin-off where they are living a good life and are happy, with no one trying to kill them. Keeper of Secrets really showed readers how much Hank, Marco, and Max cared about Carly and it warmed my heart to know that she has finally found a real family. I have also enjoyed seeing Carly become a strong, independent woman. She has come into her own and it has been an amazing journey to see her grow.
I had my doubts if Denise was going to be able to pull off Carly taking down both Bart and her father, without it feeling rushed or sloppy. Now that the series is over, I can say that Denise did a really good job bringing everything together. Could she have pro-longed the series a book or two, yes, but in the grand scheme of things she ended everything nicely, and it didn't feel rushed or sloppy.
We also get to hear from Rose and Neely Kate and get to see Jed and Skeeter Malcom in Keeper of Secrets. It brought me so much joy having them back in my life, even if it was temporary. While I enjoyed and appreciated Denise creating the Carly Moore series, the Rose Gardner and Neely Kate series clearly made a huge impact on my life. As soon as Carly called Rose and Neely Kate my heart jumped out of my chest and then to have Jed help Carly again, my heart literally fluttered and I started to cry. There will never be another Rose / Neely Kate for me! Because Rose, Neely Kate, Skeeter, and Jed make an appearance in Keeper of Secrets, I would HIGHLY recommend reading the Rose / Neely Kate series first!
Once again, I can't say enough amazing things about Denise and her writing. Her writing is captivating and her character development is always spot-on. Denise makes it extremely easy to get lost in the world of her characters and feel like you are right there with them throughout their journey. If you are looking for the perfect chick-lit that has mystery, crime, love, friendship, heartbreak, and SOOO MUCH MORE, then the Carly Moore series is the perfect fit for you. Carly is such a likable character that you can't help but cheer for her and her success.
I close out the Carly Moore series by saying, thank you, Denise. Thank you for bringing another amazing set of characters into my life! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!
****
After seeing to it that Bart Drummond is behind bars, Carly must now turn her attention to taking down her father. But her plans are turned upside down when Wyatt kidnaps her at gunpoint and threatens to turn her over to her father. As they head to Dallas, Wyatt reveals some shocking revelations. Unsure of what to believe, Carly must trust her instincts to keep Wyatt from doing something irrational.
Meanwhile, Marco and Hank are furious when they realize that Wyatt has kidnapped Carly. They will do anything to protect her and begin the journey to Dallas in hopes of stopping Wyatt before he hands Carly over to her father.
Back in Drum, Tennessee, Max is left picking up the pieces of the mess that his family has left behind. With his father now in jail, dark secrets are coming to light, including an ugly truth that involves Todd Bingham. His mother is in the wind after everything that has gone down, leaving Max to deal with the consequences of their money laundering scheme. He is also searching for answers to what Wyatt's ploy may be.
It is always bittersweet when a great book series ends. I enjoyed getting to know Carly, Hank, Marco, and Max and would love to have a spin-off where they are living a good life and are happy, with no one trying to kill them. Keeper of Secrets really showed readers how much Hank, Marco, and Max cared about Carly and it warmed my heart to know that she has finally found a real family. I have also enjoyed seeing Carly become a strong, independent woman. She has come into her own and it has been an amazing journey to see her grow.
I had my doubts if Denise was going to be able to pull off Carly taking down both Bart and her father, without it feeling rushed or sloppy. Now that the series is over, I can say that Denise did a really good job bringing everything together. Could she have pro-longed the series a book or two, yes, but in the grand scheme of things she ended everything nicely, and it didn't feel rushed or sloppy.
We also get to hear from Rose and Neely Kate and get to see Jed and Skeeter Malcom in Keeper of Secrets. It brought me so much joy having them back in my life, even if it was temporary. While I enjoyed and appreciated Denise creating the Carly Moore series, the Rose Gardner and Neely Kate series clearly made a huge impact on my life. As soon as Carly called Rose and Neely Kate my heart jumped out of my chest and then to have Jed help Carly again, my heart literally fluttered and I started to cry. There will never be another Rose / Neely Kate for me! Because Rose, Neely Kate, Skeeter, and Jed make an appearance in Keeper of Secrets, I would HIGHLY recommend reading the Rose / Neely Kate series first!
Once again, I can't say enough amazing things about Denise and her writing. Her writing is captivating and her character development is always spot-on. Denise makes it extremely easy to get lost in the world of her characters and feel like you are right there with them throughout their journey. If you are looking for the perfect chick-lit that has mystery, crime, love, friendship, heartbreak, and SOOO MUCH MORE, then the Carly Moore series is the perfect fit for you. Carly is such a likable character that you can't help but cheer for her and her success.
I close out the Carly Moore series by saying, thank you, Denise. Thank you for bringing another amazing set of characters into my life! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!
****
After seeing to it that Bart Drummond is behind bars, Carly must now turn her attention to taking down her father. But her plans are turned upside down when Wyatt kidnaps her at gunpoint and threatens to turn her over to her father. As they head to Dallas, Wyatt reveals some shocking revelations. Unsure of what to believe, Carly must trust her instincts to keep Wyatt from doing something irrational.
Meanwhile, Marco and Hank are furious when they realize that Wyatt has kidnapped Carly. They will do anything to protect her and begin the journey to Dallas in hopes of stopping Wyatt before he hands Carly over to her father.
Back in Drum, Tennessee, Max is left picking up the pieces of the mess that his family has left behind. With his father now in jail, dark secrets are coming to light, including an ugly truth that involves Todd Bingham. His mother is in the wind after everything that has gone down, leaving Max to deal with the consequences of their money laundering scheme. He is also searching for answers to what Wyatt's ploy may be.
December 26, 2022
Keeper of Secrets is the final book in Denise's Carly Moore series and it doesn't disappoint! At the end of the last book, Shades of Truth, Carly finds herself kidnapped by Wyatt Drummond (her ex boyfriend and one of the sons of the town tyrant). Now Carly needs to figure out how to get out of this mess and get back to Marco (current boyfriend) and Hank (roommate and father figure) in order to bring down her own father and be able to live her life freely. Marco and Hank embark on their own journey to bring Carly back home safely.
I loved that this book was written from multiple points of view. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Plus we got to see some characters from Rose Gardner's world which was awesome! I really can't wait to see a certain character in Denise's new upcoming series....
This book should not be read out of order since it is the finale of the Carly Moore series. If you loved the rest of the series, you're in for treat with the finale.
I loved that this book was written from multiple points of view. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Plus we got to see some characters from Rose Gardner's world which was awesome! I really can't wait to see a certain character in Denise's new upcoming series....
This book should not be read out of order since it is the finale of the Carly Moore series. If you loved the rest of the series, you're in for treat with the finale.
January 3, 2023
Holy smokes. What a ride. This was the closer I needed. I was surprised with how many people showed up in this book. It had some great moments where I was cheering Carly on. She really held her own in this book. I was happy with how everything worked out at the end. There was so much going on I didn't know how it was going to end. Nice ending to the series that all started with a broke down car.
January 5, 2023
I am so, so disappointed. I loved this series and I’m so sad it ended the way it did. The rest of the books were so entertaining and I loved the dynamic with Carly and everyone. Carly and Max didn't have one conversation in this book! This book made her out to be an idiot, which she is not. It also made Marco seem like a giant baby. And they were apart for the whole book! There was so much fluff and repetition just to fill the chapters. The whole book could have been told in 3 chapters. Wyatt was not a believable bad guy and the storyline just went crazy. I will definitely continue reading Denise Grover Swank books but man, I hated everything about this last book. Especially since we invested time and money into this series and then it just ends like that. I felt so let down. Also, we have to read an excerpt in another book for more Carly and Marco? No thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Carly Moore
I felt like the book was rushed and didn’t give more to everyone’s story. What happened to hank, I would have to to know if skeeter got the envelope also do they just move back home to drum and that it. For Carly’s last book it leaves you asking so many on answered questions.
I felt like the book was rushed and didn’t give more to everyone’s story. What happened to hank, I would have to to know if skeeter got the envelope also do they just move back home to drum and that it. For Carly’s last book it leaves you asking so many on answered questions.
January 22, 2023
it had to conclude
But this ending didn’t do the story arc justice. It seemed rushed in some parts and clichéd in other. Unfortunate
But this ending didn’t do the story arc justice. It seemed rushed in some parts and clichéd in other. Unfortunate
December 27, 2022
Is it all really over?
I can’t believe this was the final book. Denise wrapped it up perfectly. This entire series she constantly had you asking and questioning who you could trust.
The final twist in book 6 was a shocker. I truly didn’t see it coming. And just when you think in Keeper of Secrets people change you get reminded that some are great actors. This book and series was the perfect amount of mystery with a little bit of romance. I was so invested in all these characters and even shedded some tears at times.
It’s also not often that you struggle with emotions on how you feel towards a villain. I’m still processing the “twist” of who one of the villains were in this series… I was hoping a certain character really did change their ways but in the end real people’s colors always show.
I’m so happy Carly, Marco, Hank, Max and others get to live freely and not look over their shoulders. I’m sad I don’t get anymore on Carly and Marco but I can’t wait to read Denises other stories.
I can’t believe this was the final book. Denise wrapped it up perfectly. This entire series she constantly had you asking and questioning who you could trust.
The final twist in book 6 was a shocker. I truly didn’t see it coming. And just when you think in Keeper of Secrets people change you get reminded that some are great actors. This book and series was the perfect amount of mystery with a little bit of romance. I was so invested in all these characters and even shedded some tears at times.
It’s also not often that you struggle with emotions on how you feel towards a villain. I’m still processing the “twist” of who one of the villains were in this series… I was hoping a certain character really did change their ways but in the end real people’s colors always show.
I’m so happy Carly, Marco, Hank, Max and others get to live freely and not look over their shoulders. I’m sad I don’t get anymore on Carly and Marco but I can’t wait to read Denises other stories.
April 5, 2024
What an incredible series! I couldn't put the book down; it was absolutely amazing. My favorite aspect of this book was the different points of view. While we've been following Carly's perspective, it was refreshing to also hear from Marco and Hank. Hank's grumpy demeanor and his witty responses had me laughing out loud. Carly has truly evolved into a badass character, and witnessing her character arc from the first book to now has been amazing. I highly recommend reading this series.
Next on my list is the Rose Gardner series, which has been on my to-be-read list for quite some time. I definitely want to delve into that and Neely Kate's story before moving on to Skeeter's. I've become a huge fan of the author; she writes in such a way that I feel every emotion the characters experience.
Next on my list is the Rose Gardner series, which has been on my to-be-read list for quite some time. I definitely want to delve into that and Neely Kate's story before moving on to Skeeter's. I've become a huge fan of the author; she writes in such a way that I feel every emotion the characters experience.
December 26, 2022
I have been patiently awaiting this final chapter in the Carly Moore Series!! And WOW was it worth the wait!! This is an amazing ending to Carly's story. It starts right where the last book ended. This book is from multiple points of view, and I think it makes it so much better. The story is wrapped up nicely. There were a lot of unanswered questions and they are wrapped up nicely. This book and this whole series is not a disappointment!! It was a wild ride, you you don't want to miss! We start off with Marco and Hank realizing Carly has been taken and trying to figure things out. The story features a crossover from the Rose Gardener world! I couldn't put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2022
I finished this book in a day, deep in Christmas-time craziness, but I absolutely could not put it down! Such an incredible ending to Carly’s story, with a finale that I never could have imagined. We’re left with just a smidge of heartbreak but a whole lot of hope for a beautiful future for Drum!
Keeper of Secrets had some new and unique POV’s in this installment which really added to the emotions of the story, especially Hank’s. And we were reintroduced to some much loved characters from Rose’s world.
Keeper of Secrets had some new and unique POV’s in this installment which really added to the emotions of the story, especially Hank’s. And we were reintroduced to some much loved characters from Rose’s world.
December 28, 2022
An end to a series that has been much anticipated!
**do not read if you’ve not read the previous books in the series**
After we are left on a cliffhanger at the end of the last book, we pick up right after Wyatt takes Carly. However, we start from Marco’s point of view. We also get Carly and Hank’s point of view throughout the novel, which makes it a full story.
While the entire story line just bridges over a day or two, there’s a lot packed into those few days.
Carly has to use her gut to figure out if she can trust Wyatt or not. He’s very wishy washy, and seems to be a bit unstable at times, but other times fully prepared to save Carly.
Carly Moore has come a long way since she stopped in Henryetta over a year ago (in their world). She’s no longer the meek, mild and complacent girl she was. She’s turned her switch on and has become this confident and out of the box woman that doesn’t take crap from anyone, let alone any men in her life. Including Wyatt, during her kidnapping.
We also get to see some old friends from Henryetta that give you some feel goods.
I did feel the end was a bit rushed and I felt like everything with Bart was a bit too easily tied up in a bow. But it gives us the closure we needed for this series. And leaves you happy with their happily ever after.
**do not read if you’ve not read the previous books in the series**
After we are left on a cliffhanger at the end of the last book, we pick up right after Wyatt takes Carly. However, we start from Marco’s point of view. We also get Carly and Hank’s point of view throughout the novel, which makes it a full story.
While the entire story line just bridges over a day or two, there’s a lot packed into those few days.
Carly has to use her gut to figure out if she can trust Wyatt or not. He’s very wishy washy, and seems to be a bit unstable at times, but other times fully prepared to save Carly.
Carly Moore has come a long way since she stopped in Henryetta over a year ago (in their world). She’s no longer the meek, mild and complacent girl she was. She’s turned her switch on and has become this confident and out of the box woman that doesn’t take crap from anyone, let alone any men in her life. Including Wyatt, during her kidnapping.
We also get to see some old friends from Henryetta that give you some feel goods.
I did feel the end was a bit rushed and I felt like everything with Bart was a bit too easily tied up in a bow. But it gives us the closure we needed for this series. And leaves you happy with their happily ever after.
January 7, 2023
Keeper of Secrets Carly Moore Mystery is a wonderful ending to a suspenseful and heartfelt series. Denise has the unique ability to create a world that captivates and involves the reader. I find myself making friends, rooting for their success and believing in their new happy ever-after.
Keeper of Secrets contained suspense, painful relationships and love while providing closure for Carly. It was a great ending to a great series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Keeper of Secrets contained suspense, painful relationships and love while providing closure for Carly. It was a great ending to a great series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2023
Keeper of Secrets in the final book in the Carly Moore series and it did not disappoint! I am bummed that the series is over, but it was a perfect ending. This book was worth the wait and I was so excited to see characters from the Rose Gardner series included in this book. There were so many twists and turns in this book that it was hard to put it down. I enjoyed seeing Carly grow to become such a strong woman. As much as I will miss this series, I am glad that we got closure with the ending.
December 19, 2024
this was the last book in the series and I was so mad it was all over. I wanted more and more every time. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this series it was amazing. This series not only helped me get back into reading it made me fall in love with the Author as well. Excited to read more of her books
January 5, 2023
The Ending Carly Deserved
DGS gave Carly the ending she truly deserved. Fast-paced, well-written, and you'll find yourself cheering at the end. And a bonus for all the Skeeter and Jed fans, too. So, so good.
DGS gave Carly the ending she truly deserved. Fast-paced, well-written, and you'll find yourself cheering at the end. And a bonus for all the Skeeter and Jed fans, too. So, so good.
December 31, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
September 18, 2024
I finally got through all seven books. This last one wrapped it up well. Wyatt just couldn’t be a good person if he tired. He was the wild card the entire series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
3.5 rounded up
December 29, 2022
I'm probably in the minority here in thinking that while I was so excited for this book to come out, I was totally disappointed with the end. All the build-up to the final confrontation and it went day way too easily in my opinion.
It was definitely a fast paced storyline, no doubt at all what the 'plan' was from the beginning and Wyatt can go straight to hell. I also liked the tie-in to Rose Gardner and her crew, and the dynamic between Marco and Hank throughout.
Overall it was a great end to the series and I'm sad to be done. I just wish the ending was a little more fulfilling is all.
It was definitely a fast paced storyline, no doubt at all what the 'plan' was from the beginning and Wyatt can go straight to hell. I also liked the tie-in to Rose Gardner and her crew, and the dynamic between Marco and Hank throughout.
Overall it was a great end to the series and I'm sad to be done. I just wish the ending was a little more fulfilling is all.
January 5, 2023
I…. I. Can’t. EVEN!!! I am so mind blown with how this entire series turned out. The twists and turns left me on such an emotional roller coaster. The grip it had on me from page one left me on the edge of my seat. The cameos from past friends really tugged at the old heart strings. Swank truly has a gift and I’m literally at a loss for words THAT’S how good it is.
March 9, 2023
Awww. While I’m sad this came to an end, after rereading I’ve realized how corny this series could be. Of course, I still eat it up, but the number of times Marco is described as looking at Carly with so much unabashed love that it steals her breath seems a bit much. Or at least it does when you read the whole series again in a week. It could also seem that way because this romance is much more PG (and cliche) than what I’ve been reading recently.
Anyway, the confusing development (or whiplashing changes) of Wyatt’s behavior kept this interesting, as did the multiple perspectives. However, having Wyatt turn out to be a maniac who killed a bunch of people and played mind games for no real reason was a little disappointing. But it is what it is.
At least Hank got to kill Carly’s dad. I kinda love that her new “dad” is who kills him, instead of her or Marco. Or Jed, since that seemed possible too. Speaking of Jed, I loved Marco’s description of him when he sees him for the first time 😂
I feel bad for Max and feel like we’re missing a little closure there- what happened to Emily? Will Max find love? Where was that money coming from that was being laundered? Also, why was Wyatt so randomly loyal to Max even though they were never close growing up? Feels like several loose ends there, but again, it did feel like Wyatt had to go and Max (or someone) needed to take over running the town.
Speaking of, I’m happy Carly didn’t abandon the town. Knowing she was opening a charter school made me happy (teacher bias over here), and I’m glad she’s sticking with Hank. I was worried he was going to get killed off since he was the main thing tying her to the town (I kinda thought she’d end up in Henryietta).
The bonus chapter was nice, hearing about the other characters a little, but it seemed mostly like promotion for Skeeter’s series. I’m not as excited as I expected, but probably because it’s been so long since I’ve read Rose’s series. I might have to reread that, but probably not any time soon (just won a grant for diverse books I’ve got to pick out).
Overall, I’m glad Carly is free of her father, her and Marco are together and engaged, and Hank survived and got to be a total badass. A good mystery series!
Anyway, the confusing development (or whiplashing changes) of Wyatt’s behavior kept this interesting, as did the multiple perspectives. However, having Wyatt turn out to be a maniac who killed a bunch of people and played mind games for no real reason was a little disappointing. But it is what it is.
At least Hank got to kill Carly’s dad. I kinda love that her new “dad” is who kills him, instead of her or Marco. Or Jed, since that seemed possible too. Speaking of Jed, I loved Marco’s description of him when he sees him for the first time 😂
I feel bad for Max and feel like we’re missing a little closure there- what happened to Emily? Will Max find love? Where was that money coming from that was being laundered? Also, why was Wyatt so randomly loyal to Max even though they were never close growing up? Feels like several loose ends there, but again, it did feel like Wyatt had to go and Max (or someone) needed to take over running the town.
Speaking of, I’m happy Carly didn’t abandon the town. Knowing she was opening a charter school made me happy (teacher bias over here), and I’m glad she’s sticking with Hank. I was worried he was going to get killed off since he was the main thing tying her to the town (I kinda thought she’d end up in Henryietta).
The bonus chapter was nice, hearing about the other characters a little, but it seemed mostly like promotion for Skeeter’s series. I’m not as excited as I expected, but probably because it’s been so long since I’ve read Rose’s series. I might have to reread that, but probably not any time soon (just won a grant for diverse books I’ve got to pick out).
Overall, I’m glad Carly is free of her father, her and Marco are together and engaged, and Hank survived and got to be a total badass. A good mystery series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
I've been a fan of DGS's books since the first Rose Gardner book and have read just about everything she's written. That being said the bar was high and I was disappointed in this book. Really didn't like that Wyatt turned into a psychopath somewhere in the series and I didn't see that coming.
Have to say that I've become frustrated by the trend of having to click to read what could have just been included in a book as an epilogue. This one did tie up a few loose ends, but not all of them.
Have to say that I've become frustrated by the trend of having to click to read what could have just been included in a book as an epilogue. This one did tie up a few loose ends, but not all of them.
January 11, 2023
First impressions.. LOVE the story & the series.
BUT! Very simple checks could have made details like Forrest City to Little Rock is I40 WEST, not East, and I40 doesn’t go to Texarkana out of Little Rock - I30 does. I know those are little details but would have been very easy to have those correct.
80% finished, so I’ll be back with an actual review.
BUT! Very simple checks could have made details like Forrest City to Little Rock is I40 WEST, not East, and I40 doesn’t go to Texarkana out of Little Rock - I30 does. I know those are little details but would have been very easy to have those correct.
80% finished, so I’ll be back with an actual review.
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