Secrets She Kept

It is National Cashew Day!  I just love cashews as did my father (and Doozy, our dog).  We could go through a can quite quickly. Are you a cashew fan?  Today is a great day to pick up a can.  It is also Eat a Cranberry Day. Native Americans not only harvested and ate cranberries, they also used them to make dyes and for medicinal uses. 

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke is a Christian historical novel set in 1972.  Hannah Sterling’s mother, Lieselotte passed away recently.  They were never close, but Hannah is having trouble getting over her death.  Hannah is taking it out on her students and the principal is making her take a leave of absence.  Hannah believes that if she looks into her mother’s past, maybe she can understand why she was so distant and cold.  Hannah finds some letters that lead her to a grandfather in Germany.  Will Hannah get the answers she desires in Germany?

Lieselotte Sommer is a young girl in 1938 when things start to become difficult in Germany.  Her father is working to quickly climb the ranks in the Nazi party.  He wants to make sure his daughter makes a good match and then produces children (Hitler encouraged Aryans to marry and reproduce).  Lieselotte has other plans.  She works behind her father’s back to help the Jews in hiding along with the Kirchmann family.  Lieselotte has cared for Lukus Kirchmann for quite some time.  Will there relationship develop into something deeper?  Will her father allow it?

Secrets She Kept tells the stories of Hannah and Lieselotte.  We get to find out what happened to Lieselotte that made her cold towards her daughter (and other people).  Will Hannah be happy with what she discovers and can she then move on with her life?  Secrets She Kept was an engaging novel.  It was a little slow in places, but overall a good book. I give Secrets She Kept 4 out of 5 stars.  The Christian theme is light (not in your face).  Secrets She Kept teaches how destructive secrets can be in a family.  Once you get into the novel, you will not want to put it down until you are done. 

You can follow Cathy Gohlke on Amazon (you will get notified when she has a new book).  Check out her page on Amazon to see her other novels.  I received a complimentary copy of Secrets She Kept from NetGalley and The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.  If you like my reviews, please consider joining my blog (on the right).  

I am currently reading Death by Tea by Alex Erickson (not enjoying it).  I am off to do housework (it is never ending).  I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader