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The Secret She Kept
There are some things you just don’t see coming. Like Nadia.
Ruth feels like she’s living the dream. She is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness center that grew out of their shared vision.
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
Because she knows far more about Ruth than she let on. In fact, she knows everything about Ruth’s past, including the dark secret Ruth thought was locked forever inside her own heart.
Now, Nadia is blackmailing Ruth, putting her under unbearable stress. Ruth can’t get rid of Nadia – who has inserted herself into the family home - but she has no way to get the money Nadia is demanding without Cameron finding out. And if Cameron discovers what happened all those years ago, she knows she’ll lose him forever.
Ruth feels utterly trapped, on the brink of losing everything that matters to her. And she begins to wonder just what she is willing to do to protect… the secret she kept.
Ruth feels like she’s living the dream. She is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness center that grew out of their shared vision.
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
Because she knows far more about Ruth than she let on. In fact, she knows everything about Ruth’s past, including the dark secret Ruth thought was locked forever inside her own heart.
Now, Nadia is blackmailing Ruth, putting her under unbearable stress. Ruth can’t get rid of Nadia – who has inserted herself into the family home - but she has no way to get the money Nadia is demanding without Cameron finding out. And if Cameron discovers what happened all those years ago, she knows she’ll lose him forever.
Ruth feels utterly trapped, on the brink of losing everything that matters to her. And she begins to wonder just what she is willing to do to protect… the secret she kept.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2022
895 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Grant
81 books388 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 9, 2023
As usual Cathryn Grant does not disappoint. The Secret She Kept pulled me in immediately. It’s fast paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. This character driven psychological thriller shows how deadly and dangerous secrets can be. The story also demonstrates the old adage that revenge is a dish best served cold. Driven by vengeance and obsession,the characters actions are surprising and calculating, creating a book I couldn’t put down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my copy.
December 21, 2022
I found this thriller to be not that thrilling. I sort of understood Nadia, but I could not forget some of the things she did. I also did not like the ending as I found it to be abrupt.
October 1, 2023
"Dark secrets, blackmail, obsession, and revenge. Spine-tingling—an addictive tale of domestic suspense."
Cathryn Grant's latest twisty psychological thriller, THE SECRET SHE KEPT features a woman with a massive secret (yes, it is a big one) from when she was fifteen years old. Now her worst nightmare has come true.
How far will Ruth go to protect the secret she kept?
Set in California, we meet Ruth, married to Cameron (for twelve years), and the Second Chance Wellness Center owners. They have a beautiful home, and life is grand. Ruth's mother lives in the idyllic cottage behind their house and grounds.
Until the day Nadia Fairchild walks into the center. She is not as she appears. From this day one, she has interjected herself in every facet of Ruth's life. Her friends, family, business, and her home.
She will not leave. She knows what happened when Ruth was 15 years old. (22 years ago). Ruth cannot confide in Cameron. It would destroy them. Nadia has demanded $50K in blackmail. However, if she gets the money, will she leave?
What comes next is a multi-layered dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Is Nadia a murderer? Has she killed before for revenge?
We hear from POVs Ruth and Nadia, past and present.
Readers will despise Nadia and her manipulation, gaslighting, and childish behavior. Also, Micah (Cameron's Dad) and his wife, Deanne, were selfish, privileged, and disgusting. Even Ruth's mom was in denial. You feel for Nadia, her past, and her lack of support from her mom. (even though she makes poor choices, but finally gets a backbone by the end).
The author pulls out one shocking twist after another in this multi-layered labyrinth of dark secrets and lies.
Grant weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
My first book by this author, and even though I was glued to the pages, a few things bothered me, which kept me from giving this one a higher rating.
~Too much drama and emphasis with Justine/Kellyn. This made the book drag. I would have preferred to leave this part out of the story. It did not add to the story. I skipped over these parts.
~Not a lot of likable characters, except for Ruth. Cameron was rather spineless, as well.
~The word "motel" was used throughout the book when it should have been "hotel" instead. Motels are more a mom-and-pop low-end affordable accommodation, not 5-star luxury accommodation.
~Too much emphasis on Cameron not wanting children but never addressed why
~Nadia's stalking was over the top beyond believability.
~Also, why would Nadia cut her arm and put blood on the door knob of Micah and Deanne's hotel? This served no purpose
~The worst was the ending. After reading a book for eight hours and up until 3 am and this unsatisfactory conclusion fell flat for me. I had something else totally in mind.
Even with the cons, this was still 3.5 Stars. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Website Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 Stars)
Pub Date: Dec 13, 2022
Dec 2022 Must-Read Books
Cathryn Grant's latest twisty psychological thriller, THE SECRET SHE KEPT features a woman with a massive secret (yes, it is a big one) from when she was fifteen years old. Now her worst nightmare has come true.
How far will Ruth go to protect the secret she kept?
Set in California, we meet Ruth, married to Cameron (for twelve years), and the Second Chance Wellness Center owners. They have a beautiful home, and life is grand. Ruth's mother lives in the idyllic cottage behind their house and grounds.
Until the day Nadia Fairchild walks into the center. She is not as she appears. From this day one, she has interjected herself in every facet of Ruth's life. Her friends, family, business, and her home.
She will not leave. She knows what happened when Ruth was 15 years old. (22 years ago). Ruth cannot confide in Cameron. It would destroy them. Nadia has demanded $50K in blackmail. However, if she gets the money, will she leave?
What comes next is a multi-layered dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Is Nadia a murderer? Has she killed before for revenge?
We hear from POVs Ruth and Nadia, past and present.
Readers will despise Nadia and her manipulation, gaslighting, and childish behavior. Also, Micah (Cameron's Dad) and his wife, Deanne, were selfish, privileged, and disgusting. Even Ruth's mom was in denial. You feel for Nadia, her past, and her lack of support from her mom. (even though she makes poor choices, but finally gets a backbone by the end).
The author pulls out one shocking twist after another in this multi-layered labyrinth of dark secrets and lies.
Grant weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
My first book by this author, and even though I was glued to the pages, a few things bothered me, which kept me from giving this one a higher rating.
~Too much drama and emphasis with Justine/Kellyn. This made the book drag. I would have preferred to leave this part out of the story. It did not add to the story. I skipped over these parts.
~Not a lot of likable characters, except for Ruth. Cameron was rather spineless, as well.
~The word "motel" was used throughout the book when it should have been "hotel" instead. Motels are more a mom-and-pop low-end affordable accommodation, not 5-star luxury accommodation.
~Too much emphasis on Cameron not wanting children but never addressed why
~Nadia's stalking was over the top beyond believability.
~Also, why would Nadia cut her arm and put blood on the door knob of Micah and Deanne's hotel? This served no purpose
~The worst was the ending. After reading a book for eight hours and up until 3 am and this unsatisfactory conclusion fell flat for me. I had something else totally in mind.
Even with the cons, this was still 3.5 Stars. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Website Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 Stars)
Pub Date: Dec 13, 2022
Dec 2022 Must-Read Books
December 15, 2022
This story was wild, unhinged. I loved it!
Nadia kills a woman who failed to find and treat her now deceased mother's cancer. With that justice accomplished, she seeks out her next victim for revenge. Nadia has no empathy, no ethics, no morals. She is ruthless. And definitely unstable.
Ruth runs a very successful wellness center and has grown exponentially wealthy because of it. Her partner is her husband and they seem happy, content. However, it's clear that Ruth isn't as perfect as she appear ANF has some skeletons in her closet that even her husband doesn't know about.
When these two women collide all hell breaks loose.
This is one of Grant's best yet. I couldn't put it down. It was fast paced and filled with suspense. I never saw the shocking twists coming nor the unveiled secrets.
Nadia kills a woman who failed to find and treat her now deceased mother's cancer. With that justice accomplished, she seeks out her next victim for revenge. Nadia has no empathy, no ethics, no morals. She is ruthless. And definitely unstable.
Ruth runs a very successful wellness center and has grown exponentially wealthy because of it. Her partner is her husband and they seem happy, content. However, it's clear that Ruth isn't as perfect as she appear ANF has some skeletons in her closet that even her husband doesn't know about.
When these two women collide all hell breaks loose.
This is one of Grant's best yet. I couldn't put it down. It was fast paced and filled with suspense. I never saw the shocking twists coming nor the unveiled secrets.
October 10, 2024
Ruth has a seemingly charming life with a husband, a great house, and a good job. Everything changes when Nadia, a young woman from Ruth's past, barges into her life and threatens to ruin it all.
This was such a good thriller! The pacing, the tension, and the secrets all had me eagerly turning to the next page. There was so much going on, and while some of it was kind of predictable, it was still addictive to read. I loved a lot about this book like the conflicted feelings between the two main characters, the emotional blackmail, and the secrets that just kept piling up. I will admit that some parts were frustrating to read and I found it really hard to find anything about Nadia to like, but Ruth's character was what kept me hooked.
A great psychological thriller with lots of family drama and secrets. Quite fast-paced so it was perfect for a quick read!
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a good thriller! The pacing, the tension, and the secrets all had me eagerly turning to the next page. There was so much going on, and while some of it was kind of predictable, it was still addictive to read. I loved a lot about this book like the conflicted feelings between the two main characters, the emotional blackmail, and the secrets that just kept piling up. I will admit that some parts were frustrating to read and I found it really hard to find anything about Nadia to like, but Ruth's character was what kept me hooked.
A great psychological thriller with lots of family drama and secrets. Quite fast-paced so it was perfect for a quick read!
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
The Secret She Kept by Cathryn Grant is a fast-paced thriller that had me gripped from the very first page. Ms Grant is an author who has become an automatic read for me, and her latest did not disappoint.
Ruth is married to the love of her life, Cameron, and the two run a successful wellness centre together. But on a day that begins like any other, their door is darkened by Nadia, a young woman who poses as a patient, but seems far too curious about Ruth's personal life not to arouse suspicion. As Nadia burrows deeper and deeper into her life, Ruth knows that she must do whatever she can to keep this young woman from revealing her long-held, precious secrets.
This is a quick and intriguing read and you will be virtually propelled through the narrative in anticipation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Ruth is married to the love of her life, Cameron, and the two run a successful wellness centre together. But on a day that begins like any other, their door is darkened by Nadia, a young woman who poses as a patient, but seems far too curious about Ruth's personal life not to arouse suspicion. As Nadia burrows deeper and deeper into her life, Ruth knows that she must do whatever she can to keep this young woman from revealing her long-held, precious secrets.
This is a quick and intriguing read and you will be virtually propelled through the narrative in anticipation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
December 14, 2022
This book flowed like a soap opera! So much drama! I loved it. Family secrets can't be hidden forever. Full of blackmail, lies, and revenge!
Ruth lives a great life with her husband until there is a surprise guest in town.
I loved how aggressive Nadia's character was. She really felt like an impulsive 22 year old thru her actions and dialog. Every time she spoke, I wanted to yell, "You're a crazy b****!" And somehow you still feel for her at the end!
This was a fast-paced, highly enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Cathryn Grant.
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the RAC.
Ruth lives a great life with her husband until there is a surprise guest in town.
I loved how aggressive Nadia's character was. She really felt like an impulsive 22 year old thru her actions and dialog. Every time she spoke, I wanted to yell, "You're a crazy b****!" And somehow you still feel for her at the end!
This was a fast-paced, highly enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Cathryn Grant.
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the RAC.
December 27, 2022
This book had potential, but the unnecessary secret-keeping annoyed me a little. The first half of the book I thought was strange and didn't make sense, and then at the halfway point I was like OH well THAT makes sense now! Ruth could have been honest from the beginning, but I guess that wouldn't have made as good of a story. Nadia's character was immature, and frankly annoyed me a bit. Ruth and Cheryl's relationship I will never understand, because how can that possibly be forgiven?!
November 26, 2022
This was a quick read, centered on Ruth, who is living an idyllic life when she meets Nadia, who threatens to ruin everything she has worked so hard to achieve. Ruth has a deeply buried secret that Nadia wants to expose. The book switches between the POVs of the 2 women.
This is another one of those books where lots of problems could’ve been avoided if the characters just talked to each other. I understood why Ruth was keeping the secret initially but grew frustrated with her as the story continued. I also was more frustrated than not with Nadia, who I thought was immature and spoiled and acted like someone far younger than she actually was. The end of the book was somewhat predictable but was mostly satisfying.
Overall, this book didn’t really stand out for me but was a fast and engaging read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is another one of those books where lots of problems could’ve been avoided if the characters just talked to each other. I understood why Ruth was keeping the secret initially but grew frustrated with her as the story continued. I also was more frustrated than not with Nadia, who I thought was immature and spoiled and acted like someone far younger than she actually was. The end of the book was somewhat predictable but was mostly satisfying.
Overall, this book didn’t really stand out for me but was a fast and engaging read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2023
Ruth feels like she’s living the dream. She is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness center that grew out of their shared vision.
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
This story begins with an interesting prologue. A murder immediately takes place. Then you meet Ruth, a successful woman. You also get to know Nadia, a woman who lost her mother to cancer. Nadia enters Ruth's life and she's not about to disappear just like that... I won't tell you exactly what's going on between these two women. But things get completely out of hand. The writing style is nice and the story is easy to read. However, you soon learn how things work. Still, it's definitely a fun story to read.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
This story begins with an interesting prologue. A murder immediately takes place. Then you meet Ruth, a successful woman. You also get to know Nadia, a woman who lost her mother to cancer. Nadia enters Ruth's life and she's not about to disappear just like that... I won't tell you exactly what's going on between these two women. But things get completely out of hand. The writing style is nice and the story is easy to read. However, you soon learn how things work. Still, it's definitely a fun story to read.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
December 14, 2022
Ruth has lead a perfect life married to her childhood sweetheart, a stunning house and creating a state of the art wellness centre alongside her husband Cameron. Ruth's mother Cheryl lives in a beautiful cottage at the back of their house, giving both space whilst always being near.
And then Nadia Fairchild walks into the centre and into Ruth's life. Injecting herself into every aspect of Ruth's life - friends, family, business and home - and then threatens everything she has ever held dear.
For Ruth has a secret. A big one. And Nadia knows that Ruth will do anything to keep that secret from getting out. And so she demands $50,000. And until she figures out how to raise that sort of cash without drawing Cameron's attention, Nadia decides to move into their illustrious home and enjoy the benefits of their lifestyle. How is she to tell Cameron that a client, a complete stranger is going to be taking up residence in their guest room? Not my problem, Nadia says.
Cameron is less than pleased with their guest's arrival and finds Ruth's reasons for taking her in both out of character and a conflict of interest. But how can she make him accept her reasons, lame as they are? But one thing is for sure, she must convince him to allow her to stay or she risks Nadia revealing her darkest secret. And she cannot risk that. Nor can she confide in him. Her secret surely would destroy them.
And what of Nadia's plans? What is her end game? And if Ruth pays her the blackmail money, will she then leave? And if she doesn't, what does she have in store for Ruth?
THE SECRET SHE KEPT is a cat and mouse thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering who is going to come out on top and who is going to lose. The gaslighting, the manipulation and the mind games will have you despising Nadia from the first page. But then most of the characters were far from likable. In addition to the manipulative Nadia, there is the entitled and selfish Micah (Cameron's dad) and his appalling trophy wife who did nothing but complain about everything for the short time she was featured. Ruth's mum Cheryl was in some kind of denial about the past and still refused to acknowledge it but I actually kind of liked her. Justine was confrontational and although I understood why, it didn't endear her to me. And then there was Ruth. I didn't even much like her. I really couldn't understand why she couldn't tell Cameron in the first place...until the secret truly unravelled and I guessed the even bigger secret behind it. But even then, I still thought she could have confided in him.
The story had a lot of drama surrounding Justine and her daughter Kellyn which I felt didn't really go anywhere. And even in the end there was no real closure about it. Just some humming and hahhing. Even more puzzling were some of the aspects of the story that were left unexplained. Why didn't Cameron not want children? It was clearly emphasised but never explained. And why in God's name did Nadia cut her arm and smear her blood all over the window and door of Micah and Deanne's motel room? I was puzzled as to why when she was doing it...and then it was never explained why she actually did. That entire scene was ludicrous and served no purpose.
And then there was the ending. That was the worst. After taking days to find a few spare minutes to read this book, it ends like that? What the hell was that? Totally unsatisfactory and senseless to me. I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't that.
But on the whole, I enjoyed THE SECRET SHE KEPT and look forward to reading more by this author. It is my second read by her with "The Favorite Child" being my first which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I would like to thank #CathrynGrant, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheSecretSheKept in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
And then Nadia Fairchild walks into the centre and into Ruth's life. Injecting herself into every aspect of Ruth's life - friends, family, business and home - and then threatens everything she has ever held dear.
For Ruth has a secret. A big one. And Nadia knows that Ruth will do anything to keep that secret from getting out. And so she demands $50,000. And until she figures out how to raise that sort of cash without drawing Cameron's attention, Nadia decides to move into their illustrious home and enjoy the benefits of their lifestyle. How is she to tell Cameron that a client, a complete stranger is going to be taking up residence in their guest room? Not my problem, Nadia says.
Cameron is less than pleased with their guest's arrival and finds Ruth's reasons for taking her in both out of character and a conflict of interest. But how can she make him accept her reasons, lame as they are? But one thing is for sure, she must convince him to allow her to stay or she risks Nadia revealing her darkest secret. And she cannot risk that. Nor can she confide in him. Her secret surely would destroy them.
And what of Nadia's plans? What is her end game? And if Ruth pays her the blackmail money, will she then leave? And if she doesn't, what does she have in store for Ruth?
THE SECRET SHE KEPT is a cat and mouse thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering who is going to come out on top and who is going to lose. The gaslighting, the manipulation and the mind games will have you despising Nadia from the first page. But then most of the characters were far from likable. In addition to the manipulative Nadia, there is the entitled and selfish Micah (Cameron's dad) and his appalling trophy wife who did nothing but complain about everything for the short time she was featured. Ruth's mum Cheryl was in some kind of denial about the past and still refused to acknowledge it but I actually kind of liked her. Justine was confrontational and although I understood why, it didn't endear her to me. And then there was Ruth. I didn't even much like her. I really couldn't understand why she couldn't tell Cameron in the first place...until the secret truly unravelled and I guessed the even bigger secret behind it. But even then, I still thought she could have confided in him.
The story had a lot of drama surrounding Justine and her daughter Kellyn which I felt didn't really go anywhere. And even in the end there was no real closure about it. Just some humming and hahhing. Even more puzzling were some of the aspects of the story that were left unexplained. Why didn't Cameron not want children? It was clearly emphasised but never explained. And why in God's name did Nadia cut her arm and smear her blood all over the window and door of Micah and Deanne's motel room? I was puzzled as to why when she was doing it...and then it was never explained why she actually did. That entire scene was ludicrous and served no purpose.
And then there was the ending. That was the worst. After taking days to find a few spare minutes to read this book, it ends like that? What the hell was that? Totally unsatisfactory and senseless to me. I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't that.
But on the whole, I enjoyed THE SECRET SHE KEPT and look forward to reading more by this author. It is my second read by her with "The Favorite Child" being my first which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I would like to thank #CathrynGrant, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheSecretSheKept in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed thus and once it got going us was very fast paced. The plot made sense but the writing kept me really gripped so much so it was a one session read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
Not sure how to review this very annoying book. Clearly it couldn't have been that bad as I completed it, but I hated these people so much I could scream! Nadia was the ugliest and most annoying character of all. She was disturbed and I didn't understand her or how she thought. The mother was a complete jack ass until the end, no redemption for her! Justine and her continued complaining about the guardianship of her completely annoying kid who never listened to directions! Then finally Ruth. At first I hated her too until I found out the truth about what happened to her as a kid and then I actually liked her more. Her husband was ok too. But the book was good at the same time as being bad, so even though I was invested in the story it was hard to get through it. Three stars.
June 19, 2023
Absolutely loved this one. One of Ms. Grant's very best. From the beautiful California setting, to the complex characters and overall plot, this one is a must read!
December 17, 2022
There are some things you just don’t see coming. Like Nadia.
Ruth feels like she’s living the dream. She is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness center that grew out of their shared vision.
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
Because she knows far more about Ruth than she let on. In fact, she knows everything about Ruth’s past, including the dark secret Ruth thought was locked forever inside her own heart.
Now, Nadia is blackmailing Ruth, putting her under unbearable stress. Ruth can’t get rid of Nadia – who has inserted herself into the family home - but she has no way to get the money Nadia is demanding without Cameron finding out. And if Cameron discovers what happened all those years ago, she knows she’ll lose him forever.
Ruth feels utterly trapped, on the brink of losing everything that matters to her. And she begins to wonder just what she is willing to do to protect… the secret she kept.
What a gripping thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Ruth feels like she’s living the dream. She is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness center that grew out of their shared vision.
But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks so many probing and personal questions about Ruth’s life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave.
But Nadia isn’t going anywhere.
Because she knows far more about Ruth than she let on. In fact, she knows everything about Ruth’s past, including the dark secret Ruth thought was locked forever inside her own heart.
Now, Nadia is blackmailing Ruth, putting her under unbearable stress. Ruth can’t get rid of Nadia – who has inserted herself into the family home - but she has no way to get the money Nadia is demanding without Cameron finding out. And if Cameron discovers what happened all those years ago, she knows she’ll lose him forever.
Ruth feels utterly trapped, on the brink of losing everything that matters to her. And she begins to wonder just what she is willing to do to protect… the secret she kept.
What a gripping thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
December 2, 2022
Ruth feels like she's living the dream. Ahe is happily married to the love of her life, Cameron, and she is deeply fulfilled in her work - running the wellness centre that grew out of their shared vision. But something feels off to Ruth about a new client, Nadia. She asks too many probing and personal questions about Ruth's life. It feels intrusive to the point where Ruth asks the young woman to leave. But Nadia isn't going anywhere. Because she knows more about ruth than she lets on. In fact, she knows everything about Ruth's past, including the dark secret Ruth thought was locked away forever inside her own heart.
This fast-paced read had me hooked from the beginning. We learn what the secret is quite early in the story. Ruth had kept this secret for twenty years. The characters were well developed, realistic, but they could be frustrating. The tension builds throughout. There's lots going on, but it's not confusing. The story is told from Ruth and Nadia's perspective. This is a well written and twisted read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #CathrynGrant for my ARC of #TheSecretSheKept in exchange for an honest review.
This fast-paced read had me hooked from the beginning. We learn what the secret is quite early in the story. Ruth had kept this secret for twenty years. The characters were well developed, realistic, but they could be frustrating. The tension builds throughout. There's lots going on, but it's not confusing. The story is told from Ruth and Nadia's perspective. This is a well written and twisted read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #CathrynGrant for my ARC of #TheSecretSheKept in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2022
Whilst I love thrillers, I have struggled to enjoy this type with the plot line revolving around secrets from the past coming back to haunt someone so I went into this book fully expecting it to be a minor variation of a dozen books I'd read before. I could not have been more wrong! This book had me hooked and didn't let up until I'd finished. The characters are just so well written and realistic, the tension is built so effectively and you really do have no idea where the storyline is going or what the outcome is going to be! It has the twist, turns and surprises that you'd expect and the plot is constantly moving forward which I loved! I enjoyed every second of this one!!! It takes some real talent to take a basic premise that has been done multiple times and then somehow still make it unique and make it stand out head an shoulders above the rest! I'll definitely be looking out for the authors backcatalouge and future releases!!
December 6, 2022
**TW: rape
This was a captivating story of a woman’s past coming back to haunt her and trying to destroy the life she created for herself. Anytime I started to feel bored with the story, BAM, there was a twist!Characters were easy to feel connected to, and definitely played the part they were supposed to. It was very easy to see Nadia as the villain throughout the story but by the end you have a soft spot for her and your feelings change. It encompassed deception and suspense along with family drama and friendship struggles. If you enjoy a fast paced read with suspenseful twists and scenes then The Secret She Kept is a book for you! I took off one star for the times I did start to feel bored and for the character names, I just did not feel like the names flowed well together and were all a modge podge of eccentric names.
This was a captivating story of a woman’s past coming back to haunt her and trying to destroy the life she created for herself. Anytime I started to feel bored with the story, BAM, there was a twist!Characters were easy to feel connected to, and definitely played the part they were supposed to. It was very easy to see Nadia as the villain throughout the story but by the end you have a soft spot for her and your feelings change. It encompassed deception and suspense along with family drama and friendship struggles. If you enjoy a fast paced read with suspenseful twists and scenes then The Secret She Kept is a book for you! I took off one star for the times I did start to feel bored and for the character names, I just did not feel like the names flowed well together and were all a modge podge of eccentric names.
December 15, 2022
There definitely were some great elements of suspense and some interesting stalking techniques in this book. I felt that the writing was good, however the story just had too many holes and it made the overall book suffer. It is one thing to find out that your spouse gave up a child for adoption at a young age, however really different if your father was involved in a rape scenario that her own mother covered up. The spouse's mother was having an illicit affair with the same person that raped your spouse, but is also your father at the same time. Oh, and your spouse, your father, or your mother in law never told you what happened. This really read like a soap opera and I kind of pictured it in this way as I read it. The product of the rape shows up and shakes things up. This book ended up being ok in the end, however I was thrilled. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
April 20, 2023
Vengeance, obsession, secrets, lies and danger. an amazing thriller full of surprises and shocking revelations.
Nadia who has lost her mother due to cancer, wants revenge, and there is absolutely nothing stopping her, she has no remorse what so ever, only revenge.
Ruth is a successful business woman, with a great job, lovely husband and a picture perfect life, but also with a lot of secrets that could set fire to everything.
now Nadia and Ruth are collided and there is nothing anyone could do to prevent the inevitable!
the book is fast paced, well written, gripping and memorable. lots of twists and turns that would keep you surprised and interested up until the last page. though the ending was just a bit abrupt, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with the whole story.
thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
Nadia who has lost her mother due to cancer, wants revenge, and there is absolutely nothing stopping her, she has no remorse what so ever, only revenge.
Ruth is a successful business woman, with a great job, lovely husband and a picture perfect life, but also with a lot of secrets that could set fire to everything.
now Nadia and Ruth are collided and there is nothing anyone could do to prevent the inevitable!
the book is fast paced, well written, gripping and memorable. lots of twists and turns that would keep you surprised and interested up until the last page. though the ending was just a bit abrupt, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with the whole story.
thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
September 30, 2024
♥️💙😲😱 Exceptional!!!
In the wealthy suburbs, Nadia was hidden and watching the surroundings.
Doctor Flaherty went running every day at 5 a.m., whatever the weather.
Nadia had already followed her several times.
Today was the big day of her revenge...
----------------
A CRUSH for this exceptional novel both in terms of the breathtaking plot and the successful portraits of mysterious or moving characters.
Nadia is absolutely Machiavellian there!...
Reading this psychological thriller is totally captivating, full of twists and turns.
On the other hand, I was very surprised and disconcerted by the end of the story, concerning Nadia.
I recommend this amazing read: a real roller coaster of emotions !
♥️💙😲😱
In the wealthy suburbs, Nadia was hidden and watching the surroundings.
Doctor Flaherty went running every day at 5 a.m., whatever the weather.
Nadia had already followed her several times.
Today was the big day of her revenge...
----------------
A CRUSH for this exceptional novel both in terms of the breathtaking plot and the successful portraits of mysterious or moving characters.
Nadia is absolutely Machiavellian there!...
Reading this psychological thriller is totally captivating, full of twists and turns.
On the other hand, I was very surprised and disconcerted by the end of the story, concerning Nadia.
I recommend this amazing read: a real roller coaster of emotions !
♥️💙😲😱
December 19, 2022
I always enjoy Cathryn a grant novels and jumped at the chance of reading her newest domestic thriller. A perfect marriage, home and business can be destroyed by telling just one secret. Ruth is determined to never discuss it and has kept it hidden for over twenty years. Until Nadia comes into her life and the works shifts. This story centers on these two women, their connect and how that connection was made. Nadia has her own reasons for exposing g the truth and although they change slightly, they remain pretty rigid. Ruth’s reasons to stay silent become even clearer when threatened. I enjoyed this game of cat and mouse and it was a fast read.
December 8, 2022
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGally for this ARC!
This was quite an intense book about an adopted girl who discovers who her biological mother is after the passing of her adopted mother and begins to torture and blackmail her. I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the things she would do to manipulate the people who came into contact with her and couldn’t find myself wanting to cheer her on. Everything worked out in the end but I didn’t feel like she deserved her happy ending.
The book was well written in that it stirred up all sorts of emotions while I was reading it and made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
This was quite an intense book about an adopted girl who discovers who her biological mother is after the passing of her adopted mother and begins to torture and blackmail her. I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the things she would do to manipulate the people who came into contact with her and couldn’t find myself wanting to cheer her on. Everything worked out in the end but I didn’t feel like she deserved her happy ending.
The book was well written in that it stirred up all sorts of emotions while I was reading it and made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
December 13, 2022
•𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥 𝕊𝕙𝕖 𝕂𝕖𝕡𝕥
•ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕪𝕟 𝔾𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥
This was an ARC that I received through @zooloosbooktours
Ruth & Cameron are happily married, run a Wellness Centre & live in a luxurious home.
One day a new patient, Nadia, arrives for treatment but who is she & why is her behaviour so erratic???
My first book by @cathryngrantauthor & my first @zooloosbooktours read.
I was intrigued to see what Nadia would do next, how Ruth would react & how the people around them would respond to each situation that occurred!
A great twisty read.
4🌟
#ad #arc #books #booktour #bookstagram #cathryngrant #zooloosbooktours
•ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕪𝕟 𝔾𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥
This was an ARC that I received through @zooloosbooktours
Ruth & Cameron are happily married, run a Wellness Centre & live in a luxurious home.
One day a new patient, Nadia, arrives for treatment but who is she & why is her behaviour so erratic???
My first book by @cathryngrantauthor & my first @zooloosbooktours read.
I was intrigued to see what Nadia would do next, how Ruth would react & how the people around them would respond to each situation that occurred!
A great twisty read.
4🌟
#ad #arc #books #booktour #bookstagram #cathryngrant #zooloosbooktours
Read
December 2, 2022Could not put this book down! The secret is given early on in the book, but there are still quite a few twists that kept my interest. Ruth has a secret and Nadia is determined to cause havoc in Ruth's life because of this secret I have to say that Nadia is a very unlikable person and it was difficult for me to feel any empathy for her. Ruth just got on my nerves because she allowed Nadia to walk all over her. I would have given this book 5 stars, but the ending wasn't what I expected. It was definitely not a satisfying ending for me.
December 7, 2022
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Another amazing book by this author.
Ruth has kept a huge secret from her husband, Cameron, since they were dating. When Nadia shows up at her company asking too many personal questions, things get heated. This book really makes you think that it might take years, but eventually secrets come to the surface.
Ruth has kept a huge secret from her husband, Cameron, since they were dating. When Nadia shows up at her company asking too many personal questions, things get heated. This book really makes you think that it might take years, but eventually secrets come to the surface.
December 15, 2022
A nail biting thriller full of lots of drama, lies, deceit and revenge. I loved this physcological thriller despite not liking any of the characters. From the start I felt Nadia just wasn't right and the way she wormed herself into the lives of Ruth and her friends was despicable. I think the drama was what I loved most about this book I was thoroughly invested in the plot and was on the edge of my seat throughout. An enjoyable read.
December 16, 2022
The story starts with Nadia entering Ruth’s life. Ruth is a successful Wellness center owner and Nadia has just lost her mother. Nadia tries to embed herself in Ruth’s life even resorting to blackmail.
I really don’t know what to make of this book. It is well written, both from Nadia’s and Ruth’s perspective, but I could not gel with either character and found Ruth very frustrating. It got a bit better three quarters of the way through for me but found the ending not very believable.
I really don’t know what to make of this book. It is well written, both from Nadia’s and Ruth’s perspective, but I could not gel with either character and found Ruth very frustrating. It got a bit better three quarters of the way through for me but found the ending not very believable.
November 24, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this great thriller. It is fast paced and I had to keep turning the page to find out what was happening. I don’t know if I liked or disliked Nadia. At times I felt sorry for her but other times she acted spoiled. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast paced, juicy thrillers. 4 stars from me.
January 2, 2023
Couldn't put it down
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