Things We Keep Hidden + Giveaway

A threatening note.

Long-buried secrets.

Their friendship tested.

The last time lifelong friends Payton, Isley and Clara were together, Clara broke their unwritten rule and brought up the one thing they never talk about. And now, more than twenty years after their friend Cece took her life, they must confront that night as the three women and their husbands—plus one unexpected guest—gather at Isley’s Breckenridge vacation home. With tension already simmering just below the surface of their relationship, they’re each left shaken when a cryptic note Tell the truth or I will.

Who is the message for and what does it refer to? The women fear it could be linked to the truth they’ve kept hidden since the night Cece died…or maybe it has something to do with one of the problems they’ve each brought with them.

Isley’s son is in rehab after narrowly avoiding jail time, spurring her to a reckless act of her own. Clara, usually so careful to follow rules, is haunted by the one night that she didn’t. And Payton has been in denial regarding her husband’s so-called “plan” for their marriage.

As the weekend unfolds, all three will revisit the bonds they share and the challenges that have shaped their lives. And by the trip’s end, a truth that shocks them all will be revealed.

My Review:

Such an intriguing book! A little bit mystery. A whole lot of friendship. Youthful regrets. Present day traumas. They all collide during one memorable holiday weekend.

Told from multiple points of view, readers get an intimate look into the conflicts in each woman’s life. A struggling marriage, an addicted son, financial problems. And the weight of a shared youthful indiscretion. Instead of sharing their burdens, Isla, Clara and Payton valiantly try to hide them…until an explosive round of true confession leaves everyone reeling.

Love the emotional rawness in this compelling drama. It made for a gripping read…well, listen, since I enjoyed the audible edition narrated by Tanya Eby. She has become a trusted voice in my listening library over the years with her knack for bringing stories to life in a unique and compelling way.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in ebook

Canada – available in ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Things We Keep Hidden,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025

28 thoughts on “Things We Keep Hidden + Giveaway”

  2. Thank you for your great review & giveaway opportunity! This one has mixed reviews on GRs, but I’d like a chance to read it & see for myself! Some recently published books readers have raved about I haven’t liked at all, so there is that! 😂

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, just noticed the Good Reads reviews when I posted mine. I think some people went in with the idea it was going to be a thriller kind of thing with the past secret, or at least, more of a mystery. While that secret is part of the plot, there’s a lot more going on in the characters’ 40 something lives too. Kind of hard to categorize other than Women’s Fiction. Good luck, Diane!

      Like

      Reply

      1. I notice books on Amazon typically get higher rated reviews than on Goodreads for some reason. So I’m anxious to see how the book does when it’s published. I LOVE women’s fiction—thriller or not!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. I read and enjoyed her book published last year, The Summer of Keeping Secrets, and would love to read this one. Thanks for the review. Sandyavery at comcast dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. I think I read this author when she wrote for LIS under Jill Lynn Buten ? Bu5 could not find anything that I reviewed.
    I would like to read her again.

    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment