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Secrets of Our House
A thrilling domestic drama set against the power of the wilderness, Secrets of Our House is a deeply-felt novel of long-held secrets and the strength of family.
Desi is the mastermind behind her dream getaway house. Nestled high into the mountains of North Carolina, it is a sleek place, a luxurious place, a dark place.
A place full of secrets.
Secrets about the man she longs for, a man who is not her husband. Secrets about the roots of her family that must never, ever, see the light of day. When Desi and her family arrive from Chicago to spend the summer in the mountains, the seeds for the tumultuous months to follow are planted--her marriage on the rocks, not knowing which way they'll go. Her seventeen year-old daughter Jules, falling in love for the first time with a local boy--and forging a new path that will take her to uncharted places. And Carter--a man Desi knew long ago, before she expunged him from her life for good.
All hurtling toward events none of them can undo.
Engaging, propulsive, and with a dramatic, heart-pounding final act, Secrets of Our House is a dazzling novel, richly-drawn, that shows no matter how hard outside forces may shake you, the bonds of family are stronger than the harshest winds.
Desi is the mastermind behind her dream getaway house. Nestled high into the mountains of North Carolina, it is a sleek place, a luxurious place, a dark place.
A place full of secrets.
Secrets about the man she longs for, a man who is not her husband. Secrets about the roots of her family that must never, ever, see the light of day. When Desi and her family arrive from Chicago to spend the summer in the mountains, the seeds for the tumultuous months to follow are planted--her marriage on the rocks, not knowing which way they'll go. Her seventeen year-old daughter Jules, falling in love for the first time with a local boy--and forging a new path that will take her to uncharted places. And Carter--a man Desi knew long ago, before she expunged him from her life for good.
All hurtling toward events none of them can undo.
Engaging, propulsive, and with a dramatic, heart-pounding final act, Secrets of Our House is a dazzling novel, richly-drawn, that shows no matter how hard outside forces may shake you, the bonds of family are stronger than the harshest winds.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2022
About the author
Rea Frey
14 books832 followersRea Frey is the award-winning, bestselling author several nonfiction books and four suspense novels. Her latest women's fiction/magical realism novel, The Other Year, hits bookstores in August.
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
February 3, 2022
This book was a little slow to get going, but once it did it was an intriguing domestic drama.
The narrative is divided between two main characters: Desi, an exacting home designer who is in a troubled marriage to Peter, and Jules, their young adult daughter. They live in Chicago, but are spending the summer at their house in a small town in North Carolina. Jules is supposed to be heading to college in the fall, but she is in a budding relationship with Will, whose mother is dying from cancer, and Jules doesn't want to go away to school.
The book goes back and forth between the two perspectives. There are a few surprises, but I wasn't a fan of how everything played out in the end, it seemed very unrealistic I think if the pacing had been a bit more even rather than such a long, long buildup, I probably would have liked this book better. As it is, the last third is incredibly exciting and gripping, but the first two-thirds is sloooowwwwwwwww.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator Samantha Desz is excellent giving voice to Desi and Jules. She has narrated Frey's previous novels and does a great job with them. She gives the female characters a strong demeanor rather than whiny, which is how some of the interactions could have come across with a less skilled narrator.
If you like domestic drama and can handle a slow build, you might want to give this one a try.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The narrative is divided between two main characters: Desi, an exacting home designer who is in a troubled marriage to Peter, and Jules, their young adult daughter. They live in Chicago, but are spending the summer at their house in a small town in North Carolina. Jules is supposed to be heading to college in the fall, but she is in a budding relationship with Will, whose mother is dying from cancer, and Jules doesn't want to go away to school.
The book goes back and forth between the two perspectives. There are a few surprises, but I wasn't a fan of how everything played out in the end, it seemed very unrealistic I think if the pacing had been a bit more even rather than such a long, long buildup, I probably would have liked this book better. As it is, the last third is incredibly exciting and gripping, but the first two-thirds is sloooowwwwwwwww.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator Samantha Desz is excellent giving voice to Desi and Jules. She has narrated Frey's previous novels and does a great job with them. She gives the female characters a strong demeanor rather than whiny, which is how some of the interactions could have come across with a less skilled narrator.
If you like domestic drama and can handle a slow build, you might want to give this one a try.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 5, 2022
The Black House on the mountain in North Carolina is at times a refuge and at other times a threat. Not so much the building itself, but its location in a wilderness that is clearly untamed. Go too far from your house and there could be disaster. In this new domestic drama from Rea Frey, the people in the house are also on the edge of calamity. Secrets are stifling the relationships -- husband and wife, sister and brother, mother and daughter. It is the mother/daughter connection that Rea excels in delivering us in her books. Desi and daughter Jules are our narrators. They are at the Black House for their last summer before college when things start to really go off the rails. There are a number of scenes with great peril and the consequences seem impossible to bear. Desi's biggest dilemma has to do with her marriage to Peter, while Jules is contemplating whether or not to go to Columbia in NYC. The next year in both their lives will bring about some momentous changes. Although I am usually sold hook, line, and sinker on Rea Frey's plots; this one had a few holes my mind just couldn't fill in. Still a fan -- this book is just not my favorite.
Thank you to St. Martins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2022
This is a Family Drama Fiction/Suspense. I cannot figure out why this is said to be a mystery because I do not think there is anything mystery in this book. The end of this book as a good amount of action and suspense. The best way I can sum up this book is that it is a book about when a Mother's secrets and actions comes to bite her in the butt. Desi (the Mother) in this book is not the most likable character. Her character tries to make everyone do want she wants, but her biggest secrets is she make a big mistake when she was really young which she never as moved on from. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it was while written. The secret the Mother has been keeping unfolded slowly, so it keeps you guessing a little. There was some things put into the book like the bear attack that I did not think it needed to be there. I feel it was put in just to add more drama/action which was not needed. Overall, If you enjoy Family Drama Fiction that I really think you will enjoy this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Rea Frey) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 4, 2022
After reading three other books by Rea Frey and enjoying them I was very excited to read Secrets of Our House. Secrets of Our House is a domestic drama with an edge of suspense and is told by alternating the point of view between characters.
Desi has designed her dream getaway home in the mountains of North Carolina in River Falls where she and her husband and daughter plan to spend the summer away from their home in Chicago. With Desi and Peter at a rough place in the marriage they need the time to figure things out and Jules, their daughter, at seventeen is figuring out what she wants from her life and whether college is the next step or is there something else out there for her.
Secrets of Our House by Rea Frey is certainly aptly titled as that is exactly what you find in the novel, Secrets that all the members of the family hold. The past comes back to haunt the family and the future is uncertain so I couldn’t help but be swept up with this family and engaged in their lives from the start. There’s tension in the relationships then there’s tension in the actions that all combines to make an entertaining read yet again for me from author Rea Frey.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Desi has designed her dream getaway home in the mountains of North Carolina in River Falls where she and her husband and daughter plan to spend the summer away from their home in Chicago. With Desi and Peter at a rough place in the marriage they need the time to figure things out and Jules, their daughter, at seventeen is figuring out what she wants from her life and whether college is the next step or is there something else out there for her.
Secrets of Our House by Rea Frey is certainly aptly titled as that is exactly what you find in the novel, Secrets that all the members of the family hold. The past comes back to haunt the family and the future is uncertain so I couldn’t help but be swept up with this family and engaged in their lives from the start. There’s tension in the relationships then there’s tension in the actions that all combines to make an entertaining read yet again for me from author Rea Frey.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 27, 2022
I always enjoy Rea Frey’s women’s fiction for its well-drawn characters and dark, twisty situations.
The players:
Desi designs houses and has just moved from Chicago with her husband Peter and teenaged daughter Jules to the small town of River Falls. Peter is ex-military and now is into the survivalist life. His marriage with Desi is strained. Jules is dating Will, whose mother is sick with end stage cancer. Jules had been planning to attend college in New York, but now wants to forego school in order to stay in River Falls and be close to Will. Desi’s estranged brother Tommy shows up in town. Like Peter, he’s ex-military. Carter is Desi’s ex. He also served with Peter and Tommy in the Marines and has been trying to contact Desi.
The action of this book takes place over the course of a year. Many people in the book are under stress because of big life events. Will Jules and Will be parted when Jules goes to Columbia in the fall? Will and Ava’s mother continues to grow sicker as her cancer advances. Some characters are keeping secrets and have been for years. The marriage between Peter and Desi made me shudder to read at times. I wouldn’t really call either of them particularly likeable characters. Peter was cold and controlling and Desi was meddling and manipulative, but from a drama standpoint, watching their marriage self-destruct made for terribly interesting reading. Several huge medical events happen in the book and they were very well written with nail biting action and excellent pacing. My favorite thing about this book was the description of the setting.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for review purposes.
The players:
Desi designs houses and has just moved from Chicago with her husband Peter and teenaged daughter Jules to the small town of River Falls. Peter is ex-military and now is into the survivalist life. His marriage with Desi is strained. Jules is dating Will, whose mother is sick with end stage cancer. Jules had been planning to attend college in New York, but now wants to forego school in order to stay in River Falls and be close to Will. Desi’s estranged brother Tommy shows up in town. Like Peter, he’s ex-military. Carter is Desi’s ex. He also served with Peter and Tommy in the Marines and has been trying to contact Desi.
The action of this book takes place over the course of a year. Many people in the book are under stress because of big life events. Will Jules and Will be parted when Jules goes to Columbia in the fall? Will and Ava’s mother continues to grow sicker as her cancer advances. Some characters are keeping secrets and have been for years. The marriage between Peter and Desi made me shudder to read at times. I wouldn’t really call either of them particularly likeable characters. Peter was cold and controlling and Desi was meddling and manipulative, but from a drama standpoint, watching their marriage self-destruct made for terribly interesting reading. Several huge medical events happen in the book and they were very well written with nail biting action and excellent pacing. My favorite thing about this book was the description of the setting.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for review purposes.
April 23, 2023
3.5⭐
Featuring ~ dual POV, family drama
There was quite the family drama going on in this one. Told by the mother, Desi, and her daughter, Jules.
Desi brings the family to spend the summer in North Carolina to try to save her marriage to Peter and to spend time with Jules before she is off to college in New York. But Jules has other plans when she meets Will and ultimately they fall in love.
As a mother you always want what's best for your child and you try to steer them in the direction you think is best, but who's to say what the right direction is?
So many secrets happening, which I guess you could have figured out by the title. I didn't agree with most of them, but who am i? 🤷
It was slow going for me for quite a while, but it certainly picked up in the last third or so. It was action packed there for a few chapters. I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Narration:
Samantha Desz ~ 9 hours 40 minutes ~ although the narration was good, I do wish there was some distinction in the voices since they do vary in age.
*Thanks for Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and Rea Frey for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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Featuring ~ dual POV, family drama
There was quite the family drama going on in this one. Told by the mother, Desi, and her daughter, Jules.
Desi brings the family to spend the summer in North Carolina to try to save her marriage to Peter and to spend time with Jules before she is off to college in New York. But Jules has other plans when she meets Will and ultimately they fall in love.
As a mother you always want what's best for your child and you try to steer them in the direction you think is best, but who's to say what the right direction is?
So many secrets happening, which I guess you could have figured out by the title. I didn't agree with most of them, but who am i? 🤷
It was slow going for me for quite a while, but it certainly picked up in the last third or so. It was action packed there for a few chapters. I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Narration:
Samantha Desz ~ 9 hours 40 minutes ~ although the narration was good, I do wish there was some distinction in the voices since they do vary in age.
*Thanks for Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and Rea Frey for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 15, 2022
4.5/5
I can say without a doubt that Secrets of Our House by Rea Frey completely blew me away. I went in expecting women's fiction and some family drama, but I got a hell of a lot more than that! This is definitely in the domestic fiction genre but there is a ton of action that I wasn't expecting, and I got to the point where I literally couldn't put it down because it was so tense. I guess the beginning of the synopsis does call it a "thrilling domestic drama" but I really didn't consider how accurate of a statement that would actually be. I stayed up until almost 3 AM to finish and once it gets to a certain point you legit won't be able to stop reading since that would mean stopping in a very critical part of the story. I experienced so many emotions while reading this and there was one point near the end that I was bawling like a baby. I can't believe this was my first time reading Frey and clearly, I have been missing out!
The audiobook is completely fantastic and narrated by Samantha Desz who I noticed has narrated all of Frey's novels so far. I love when they stick to one narrator for an author, especially when it is someone as talented as Desz. I was listening via the NetGalley Shelf app, so the audio quality wasn't great (think robotic sound above a 1x speed and skipping at anything over 2x speed) but that didn't stop me from loving Desz. Her voice was great, her tone was on point throughout, and she was AMAZING during the emotional and heart-pounding scenes. I was really impressed by how great of a narrator she is, and I will just tell you now that I plan to listen to every single book of Frey's past and future from now on. Secrets of Our House is domestic fiction at its finest and while Desi drove me crazy sometimes, I still couldn't help but feel for her and I truly loved her daughter Jules. As the title suggests, this family has secrets galore, and I couldn't wait to find out every single one of them.
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I can say without a doubt that Secrets of Our House by Rea Frey completely blew me away. I went in expecting women's fiction and some family drama, but I got a hell of a lot more than that! This is definitely in the domestic fiction genre but there is a ton of action that I wasn't expecting, and I got to the point where I literally couldn't put it down because it was so tense. I guess the beginning of the synopsis does call it a "thrilling domestic drama" but I really didn't consider how accurate of a statement that would actually be. I stayed up until almost 3 AM to finish and once it gets to a certain point you legit won't be able to stop reading since that would mean stopping in a very critical part of the story. I experienced so many emotions while reading this and there was one point near the end that I was bawling like a baby. I can't believe this was my first time reading Frey and clearly, I have been missing out!
The audiobook is completely fantastic and narrated by Samantha Desz who I noticed has narrated all of Frey's novels so far. I love when they stick to one narrator for an author, especially when it is someone as talented as Desz. I was listening via the NetGalley Shelf app, so the audio quality wasn't great (think robotic sound above a 1x speed and skipping at anything over 2x speed) but that didn't stop me from loving Desz. Her voice was great, her tone was on point throughout, and she was AMAZING during the emotional and heart-pounding scenes. I was really impressed by how great of a narrator she is, and I will just tell you now that I plan to listen to every single book of Frey's past and future from now on. Secrets of Our House is domestic fiction at its finest and while Desi drove me crazy sometimes, I still couldn't help but feel for her and I truly loved her daughter Jules. As the title suggests, this family has secrets galore, and I couldn't wait to find out every single one of them.
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 11, 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: February 8, 2022
Women's fiction seems to be an umbrella term for books about women's love-life experiences that publishers market to female readers. I have never understood the genre’s name. Women like me enjoy many genres. Novels that are classified as women’s fiction are often clumsily written and filled with silly romantic clichés. Yet, they are not labeled romance, beach books, or chick-lit, where you expect the tale to be sappy. No one would ever call “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy women’s fiction although the story revolves around a woman’s extramarital affair. A more modern example is "We Were the Mulvaneys" by Joyce Carol Oates. A daughter's reputation is damaged by a rape that tears the family apart. Oates never writes women's fiction, although her novels often focus on a woman’s love-life experiences. Does anyone have an alternative name for the genre?
This women’s fiction novel revolves around a middle-aged married couple and their 17-year-old daughter. The wife secretly longs for a man who is not her husband. The husband secretly desires a divorce. And the daughter secretly desires not to go to college, but to marry the boy she loves. Get it? Lots of secrets. The repetitive marital angst is way over-the-top. The mother acts like a lovesick teenager no different than her daughter. The young lovers can also irritate with all their drama. At least their angst is age-appropriate, unlike the adults. Where Tolstoy or Oates might portray such a relationship in a believable, engaging way, Frey delivers all the trappings of a plot-driven commercial fiction. It makes me wonder, do publishers believe women prefer to read books in which the writing only tells a story without stimulating their minds? Is it just me who thinks this way? Nevertheless, the only part of the novel that I did appreciate is the beauty of nature that is described encompassing their house in the mountains of North Carolina. These sentences paint a colorful picture that shows us a talented author but not enough for me to be able to enjoy the rest of the book.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord\
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.amazon.com/
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: February 8, 2022
Women's fiction seems to be an umbrella term for books about women's love-life experiences that publishers market to female readers. I have never understood the genre’s name. Women like me enjoy many genres. Novels that are classified as women’s fiction are often clumsily written and filled with silly romantic clichés. Yet, they are not labeled romance, beach books, or chick-lit, where you expect the tale to be sappy. No one would ever call “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy women’s fiction although the story revolves around a woman’s extramarital affair. A more modern example is "We Were the Mulvaneys" by Joyce Carol Oates. A daughter's reputation is damaged by a rape that tears the family apart. Oates never writes women's fiction, although her novels often focus on a woman’s love-life experiences. Does anyone have an alternative name for the genre?
This women’s fiction novel revolves around a middle-aged married couple and their 17-year-old daughter. The wife secretly longs for a man who is not her husband. The husband secretly desires a divorce. And the daughter secretly desires not to go to college, but to marry the boy she loves. Get it? Lots of secrets. The repetitive marital angst is way over-the-top. The mother acts like a lovesick teenager no different than her daughter. The young lovers can also irritate with all their drama. At least their angst is age-appropriate, unlike the adults. Where Tolstoy or Oates might portray such a relationship in a believable, engaging way, Frey delivers all the trappings of a plot-driven commercial fiction. It makes me wonder, do publishers believe women prefer to read books in which the writing only tells a story without stimulating their minds? Is it just me who thinks this way? Nevertheless, the only part of the novel that I did appreciate is the beauty of nature that is described encompassing their house in the mountains of North Carolina. These sentences paint a colorful picture that shows us a talented author but not enough for me to be able to enjoy the rest of the book.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord\
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.amazon.com/
February 16, 2022
3.5 stars
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
A domestic fiction novel about a family that is experiencing the fallout from a lifetime of secrets and silence. Alternating in perspective between mother, Desi, and teenage daughter, Juliette this was one heck of an anxiety-filled rollercoaster. Desi drove me absolutely crazy and it was apparent from the very first chapter what might possibly be some of the secrets she was hiding. I much preferred the daughter, Juliette who just seemed to be the more mature and stable character.
There was a lot of action and maybe that is where the anxiety comes in. Maybe it is also because it is a bit of an ambiguous ending with secrets left unresolved. Perhaps we shall see some of these characters again, someday.
Publication Date 08/02/2o22
Goodreads review published 16/02/22
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
A domestic fiction novel about a family that is experiencing the fallout from a lifetime of secrets and silence. Alternating in perspective between mother, Desi, and teenage daughter, Juliette this was one heck of an anxiety-filled rollercoaster. Desi drove me absolutely crazy and it was apparent from the very first chapter what might possibly be some of the secrets she was hiding. I much preferred the daughter, Juliette who just seemed to be the more mature and stable character.
There was a lot of action and maybe that is where the anxiety comes in. Maybe it is also because it is a bit of an ambiguous ending with secrets left unresolved. Perhaps we shall see some of these characters again, someday.
Publication Date 08/02/2o22
Goodreads review published 16/02/22
January 28, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 8, 2022
Powerhouse author Rea Frey, really delivers with her new novel, “Secrets of Our House”. As a long-time fan of Frey who has read every one of her fiction novels BEFORE their release dates (and loved every one), I eagerly took the chance to read her newest novel and, as usual, Frey does not disappoint.
Desi has finally built the house of her dreams- a large mansion in the North Carolina Mountains- and she is desperate to reconnect with her husband and her teenage daughter, hoping that some time away at her dream home will help mend fences. But the house, and the town itself, holds some dark secrets that Desi has worked for years to keep hidden. When her teenage daughter, Jules, is lost in the wilderness after a tragic accident, Desi realizes that she must reveal all of her secrets, even if it means destroying the family she fought so hard to save.
“Secrets of Our House” almost reads like two separate stories; at first, the plot focuses on Desi and Peter, and their crumbling relationship, and Jules’ new love interest and future aspirations, all with the looming darkness of Desi’s past secrets. Then, almost two thirds through the novel, a plane crash, missing teenagers and a search through perilous winter conditions that was too intoxicating for me to put down. Frey manages to connect these two very different storylines with the strong foundations of her characters, and the relationship she builds between them and her readers.
When Desi’s secret was finally revealed, I was not surprised, as this was one of those twists that readers of the genre (or watchers of Lifetime movies) will see coming. However, I was already hooked in to the story’s plot and there were so many other things going on, that I was desperately invested in the final outcome. The ending could’ve gone a million different ways but Frey did it right, providing the soothing reassurance and satisfaction that can only come after such a pulse-pounding sequence of events.
Well-written, creative and full of intense action, “Secrets of Our House” was one suspenseful ride! The latter half of this novel was especially difficult to put down, and I felt an immediate connection to the characters, especially to Desi.
“Secrets” is the exact story readers will expect from Frey, and I eagerly anticipate her next suspenseful domestic read!
Expected publication date: Feb. 8, 2022
Powerhouse author Rea Frey, really delivers with her new novel, “Secrets of Our House”. As a long-time fan of Frey who has read every one of her fiction novels BEFORE their release dates (and loved every one), I eagerly took the chance to read her newest novel and, as usual, Frey does not disappoint.
Desi has finally built the house of her dreams- a large mansion in the North Carolina Mountains- and she is desperate to reconnect with her husband and her teenage daughter, hoping that some time away at her dream home will help mend fences. But the house, and the town itself, holds some dark secrets that Desi has worked for years to keep hidden. When her teenage daughter, Jules, is lost in the wilderness after a tragic accident, Desi realizes that she must reveal all of her secrets, even if it means destroying the family she fought so hard to save.
“Secrets of Our House” almost reads like two separate stories; at first, the plot focuses on Desi and Peter, and their crumbling relationship, and Jules’ new love interest and future aspirations, all with the looming darkness of Desi’s past secrets. Then, almost two thirds through the novel, a plane crash, missing teenagers and a search through perilous winter conditions that was too intoxicating for me to put down. Frey manages to connect these two very different storylines with the strong foundations of her characters, and the relationship she builds between them and her readers.
When Desi’s secret was finally revealed, I was not surprised, as this was one of those twists that readers of the genre (or watchers of Lifetime movies) will see coming. However, I was already hooked in to the story’s plot and there were so many other things going on, that I was desperately invested in the final outcome. The ending could’ve gone a million different ways but Frey did it right, providing the soothing reassurance and satisfaction that can only come after such a pulse-pounding sequence of events.
Well-written, creative and full of intense action, “Secrets of Our House” was one suspenseful ride! The latter half of this novel was especially difficult to put down, and I felt an immediate connection to the characters, especially to Desi.
“Secrets” is the exact story readers will expect from Frey, and I eagerly anticipate her next suspenseful domestic read!
January 15, 2022
The very beginning of the synopsis for this one calls it a thrilling family drama so I assumed I was about to read a tense, suspenseful book. I was wrong and so is the synopsis this is NOT a suspense, a mystery or a thriller whatsoever and had I know I was going to be reading regular old fiction (or women’s fiction whatever) I may have liked this one more. Expectations are so important to me as a reader and mislabeling it did this book no favors at all. I will say the very end did have some tension but that is not enough for me to call it a thriller. Just wanted to get that all out because I have a feeling had I known what I was getting into here this would’ve earned a higher rating from me. It was dramatic but in a soap opera kind of way with the characters making very stupid choices and then the secrets? Really predictable and honestly disappointing. I’ve really enjoyed this authors books in the past, but man this one just didn’t do it for me. I spent most of the book wondering what the point was and I’m still sorta feeling that way now. If you do read this go into knowing it’s fiction and try the audio because I swear that’s the only way I finished it.
February 11, 2022
What a good read. I loved the turn of events in the end. As with all of Frey's books you never know what is going to happen next. But this ending had me like what. It was just so good. This 4 star book is not to be missed.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
February 28, 2022
Thank you so much to Griffin Publishing and Rea Frey for my copy of Secrets of Our House. The book is about Desi, a woman with a troubled marriage, and Jules, their daughter. Jules is heading to school in the fall, but doesn’t want to leave her boyfriend. Peter has resentment towards Desi, and we need to find out why. This book explores a mother-daughter relationship and how our actions have consequences.
Thoughts: I loved how even though this was a family drama, it had a bit of mystery to it as well. I am thankful I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand, because if so I would have been let down. The characters were interesting to read about and I enjoyed how real they felt. It was a very predictable story and I did not enjoy how everything was tied up in a bow so perfectly at the end. It was nice how there was character development, however I would have appreciated a little mystery in the end.
I loved the family relationships, and the drama included in the book. It was a bit over the top and not necessarily my type of thriller, but it was an interesting family drama that can keep a reader’s attention. 3- stars.
Thoughts: I loved how even though this was a family drama, it had a bit of mystery to it as well. I am thankful I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand, because if so I would have been let down. The characters were interesting to read about and I enjoyed how real they felt. It was a very predictable story and I did not enjoy how everything was tied up in a bow so perfectly at the end. It was nice how there was character development, however I would have appreciated a little mystery in the end.
I loved the family relationships, and the drama included in the book. It was a bit over the top and not necessarily my type of thriller, but it was an interesting family drama that can keep a reader’s attention. 3- stars.
February 17, 2022
I did not find the description that called this suspenseful to be accurate and I was disappointed about it. I have liked this author’s suspenseful work before which I think contributed to my disappointment. I feel like this book was over the top with drama which in addition to being immature in nature it was repetitive. This book is from two perspectives Desi a woman in a failing marriage ruminating over the secrets she has been keeping (which weren’t as mysterious as I was hoping) and Jules’ who is Desi’s daughter who is 18 and in love for the first time and considering going to Columbia or staying in River Falls where she is finally feeling alive. I listened to the audio version of this book and I did think he narrator did a decent job.
January 6, 2022
Desi and her family have a dream getaway house set in the mountains of North Carolina. They love to visit during the summer and have just arrived. Everyone in the family has secrets. Desi is in love with someone else from her past, Carter. It turns out he is a friend of her brother. Desi and Peter's marriage is falling apart. Their daughter, Jules, has been accepted at Columbia, but she does not want to go, in fact, she never did, it is Desi's dream for her. Jules is in love with local boy, Will and she wants to stay in North Carolina. She agrees to try one semester but she hates it and now she has a huge secret. When tragedy strikes, will they be able to pull together.
This is a domestic drama, a story about a family with relatable problems and issues. Desi is an overbearing mom, who thinks she knows what is best for her daughter, Jules disagrees. She also has a secret, an old secret, that still causes issues for her. We gradually find out what it is as the story progresses. She is not the most likable character as she is bossy and wants everyone to do what she wants them to do. As we meet Will's family, it is like everything that can go wrong will go wrong. There is a parent with cancer, a bear attack and Will being in love with a rich, summer girl. There are some surprises along the way, but this is a well written, family story with lots of questions, decisions and secrets that can pull a family apart, or push them together when tragedy strikes. I recommend you pick this one up if that is a genre that you enjoy.
This is a domestic drama, a story about a family with relatable problems and issues. Desi is an overbearing mom, who thinks she knows what is best for her daughter, Jules disagrees. She also has a secret, an old secret, that still causes issues for her. We gradually find out what it is as the story progresses. She is not the most likable character as she is bossy and wants everyone to do what she wants them to do. As we meet Will's family, it is like everything that can go wrong will go wrong. There is a parent with cancer, a bear attack and Will being in love with a rich, summer girl. There are some surprises along the way, but this is a well written, family story with lots of questions, decisions and secrets that can pull a family apart, or push them together when tragedy strikes. I recommend you pick this one up if that is a genre that you enjoy.
August 13, 2023
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal abound at The Black House. If these walls could talk.
A modern emotional story of loss and healing—unraveling the buried truths of love, family, and forgiveness.
The savvy bestselling author and talented storyteller Rea Frey returns with a heartfelt dazzling "grown-up" novel about fractured families. Her previous books (I have read them all and been a fan since her debut) feature mothers and younger children.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE showcases a successful businesswoman and architect, Desi (wife and mother), married to Peter (ex-Marine), and a mother to her daughter, Jules, a brilliant college student with a bright future. They reside in Chicago, and this is their vacation home in NC.
Set in the beautiful Western North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains at The Black House in a fictional town called River Falls. Surrounded by nature and the wilderness, this stunning luxurious contemporary home features floor-to-ceiling glass, steam showers, a spa, a sauna, a gym, and all the modern high-tech touches.
Designed by Desi, the famous architect, their home is located on the crest of a bulbous mountaintop on almost an acre of land. The house was supposed to be their haven, but it has turned into a keeper of dark secrets within its walls.
Desi feels she is running out of time. She and Peter will be empty nesters; however, they have grown apart. Their marriage is in trouble. Her daughter is grown up about to start a life of her own. They barely communicate.
One decision can affect so many lives. Desi thinks about Carter. The guy she loved. Her choices and her future. Is Desi the architect of all their lives?
Now Carter surfaces and Desi has to make some tough choices. Jules, her daughter, also struggles with a life-changing decision and keeps secrets. Jules and Will are in love, but what does their future hold?
Rea deftly takes us through the seasons from summer, fall, winter to the following summer. From mother and daughter POV Desi and Jules, we soon learn their stories are more similar than they know.
Through loss came clarity. Through tragedy came truth. Through all the darkness comes light. From hidden secrets to honesty, the characters gained the possibility of a more honest future and a road to recovery. Life is not always IG. It is messy.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE is compelling and thought-provoking—an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions.
The novel is a little different than her past psychological thrillers in that it is more focused on character development, family drama, marriage, motherhood, and essential life lessons. Well-written, there are emotions, guilt, shame, suspense, tension, and loads of secrets and lies. There are some major takeaways here.
Rea is known for her signature writing of mother-daughter relationships, and she does not disappoint.
With lyrical prose, there are beautiful symbols and metaphors. The survivalist and wilderness parts combined with the beauty of both the house and the setting of nature are sharp contrasts of our lives. The weather, nature, and the wilderness can be beautiful and dangerous.
Keeping secrets and locking them away in the darkest parts of self and the fear of hurting someone can often backfire. Often it is better to be RIP off the bandaid than let it fester.
On a side note: As I was reading this well-written, thought-provoking drama, it made me think of the new TV drama, "Ordinary Joe." I adore this show, and if you have not watched it— it follows a man, Joe, and the three possible paths he could have taken in life based on a single decision made ten years earlier at his college graduation. In all three paths, there are clear benefits and hardships.
As the novel portrays as well as "Ordinary Joe" and "This Is Us"—have we all not second-guessed ourselves, our past decisions, and our path in life? Choices we made or did not make. Courses we could have taken, or people in our lives. The what-ifs?
Highly recommend all Rea's books. She is an incredibly gifted writer featuring real-life characters, emotions, and vivid settings that continue to draw readers in. Plus she is a heck of a business superwoman and podcast host helping aspiring writers.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented narrator—Samantha Desz (always enjoy), for an outstanding listening experience as well as read the e-book.
A special thank you to Get Red PR, Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillian Audio for a digital and audio ARC.
Blog Review:
@JudithDCollins
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
Pub Date: Feb 8, 2022
Until I Find You
Because You're Mine
Not Her Daughter
A modern emotional story of loss and healing—unraveling the buried truths of love, family, and forgiveness.
The savvy bestselling author and talented storyteller Rea Frey returns with a heartfelt dazzling "grown-up" novel about fractured families. Her previous books (I have read them all and been a fan since her debut) feature mothers and younger children.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE showcases a successful businesswoman and architect, Desi (wife and mother), married to Peter (ex-Marine), and a mother to her daughter, Jules, a brilliant college student with a bright future. They reside in Chicago, and this is their vacation home in NC.
Set in the beautiful Western North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains at The Black House in a fictional town called River Falls. Surrounded by nature and the wilderness, this stunning luxurious contemporary home features floor-to-ceiling glass, steam showers, a spa, a sauna, a gym, and all the modern high-tech touches.
Designed by Desi, the famous architect, their home is located on the crest of a bulbous mountaintop on almost an acre of land. The house was supposed to be their haven, but it has turned into a keeper of dark secrets within its walls.
Desi feels she is running out of time. She and Peter will be empty nesters; however, they have grown apart. Their marriage is in trouble. Her daughter is grown up about to start a life of her own. They barely communicate.
One decision can affect so many lives. Desi thinks about Carter. The guy she loved. Her choices and her future. Is Desi the architect of all their lives?
Now Carter surfaces and Desi has to make some tough choices. Jules, her daughter, also struggles with a life-changing decision and keeps secrets. Jules and Will are in love, but what does their future hold?
Rea deftly takes us through the seasons from summer, fall, winter to the following summer. From mother and daughter POV Desi and Jules, we soon learn their stories are more similar than they know.
Through loss came clarity. Through tragedy came truth. Through all the darkness comes light. From hidden secrets to honesty, the characters gained the possibility of a more honest future and a road to recovery. Life is not always IG. It is messy.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE is compelling and thought-provoking—an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions.
The novel is a little different than her past psychological thrillers in that it is more focused on character development, family drama, marriage, motherhood, and essential life lessons. Well-written, there are emotions, guilt, shame, suspense, tension, and loads of secrets and lies. There are some major takeaways here.
Rea is known for her signature writing of mother-daughter relationships, and she does not disappoint.
With lyrical prose, there are beautiful symbols and metaphors. The survivalist and wilderness parts combined with the beauty of both the house and the setting of nature are sharp contrasts of our lives. The weather, nature, and the wilderness can be beautiful and dangerous.
Keeping secrets and locking them away in the darkest parts of self and the fear of hurting someone can often backfire. Often it is better to be RIP off the bandaid than let it fester.
On a side note: As I was reading this well-written, thought-provoking drama, it made me think of the new TV drama, "Ordinary Joe." I adore this show, and if you have not watched it— it follows a man, Joe, and the three possible paths he could have taken in life based on a single decision made ten years earlier at his college graduation. In all three paths, there are clear benefits and hardships.
As the novel portrays as well as "Ordinary Joe" and "This Is Us"—have we all not second-guessed ourselves, our past decisions, and our path in life? Choices we made or did not make. Courses we could have taken, or people in our lives. The what-ifs?
Highly recommend all Rea's books. She is an incredibly gifted writer featuring real-life characters, emotions, and vivid settings that continue to draw readers in. Plus she is a heck of a business superwoman and podcast host helping aspiring writers.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented narrator—Samantha Desz (always enjoy), for an outstanding listening experience as well as read the e-book.
A special thank you to Get Red PR, Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillian Audio for a digital and audio ARC.
Blog Review:
@JudithDCollins
#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
Pub Date: Feb 8, 2022
Until I Find You
Because You're Mine
Not Her Daughter
February 12, 2022
Desi has secrets…yes more than one.
Jules now has one, but she will reveal it.
We meet this family in their gorgeous house in the woods that was designed by Desi for peace and comfort, but this house does harbor secrets held past and present.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE moves on as we see the family taking a three-month summer vacation at their dream house and as the dream house has everyone changing their lives in one way or another.
The characters were authentic, the setting was gorgeous, but the story line had me looking for when something was going to happen.
Things did happen, and things became tense with a final thought that it’s family that matters.
It was well written, but the story line seemed too much like a soap opera to me. 3/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Jules now has one, but she will reveal it.
We meet this family in their gorgeous house in the woods that was designed by Desi for peace and comfort, but this house does harbor secrets held past and present.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE moves on as we see the family taking a three-month summer vacation at their dream house and as the dream house has everyone changing their lives in one way or another.
The characters were authentic, the setting was gorgeous, but the story line had me looking for when something was going to happen.
Things did happen, and things became tense with a final thought that it’s family that matters.
It was well written, but the story line seemed too much like a soap opera to me. 3/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal in this House.
An emotional tale about a family that has grown apart. A husband and wife whose marriage is broken, a mother struggling to connect with her daughter, and a daughter figuring out adulthood and what love looks like.
These set of characters are so raw, real, and fueled by their own demons and fears. Rea beautifully explores the themes of love, forgiveness, motherhood, and life lessons. I often stopped at times to re-read passages that were just so beautiful. Rea's prose is intimate, metaphorical, and deep.
I enjoyed this one by Rea and looking forward to reading more from her! I recommend adding this to your list!
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to Suzy and the publisher for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 2/9/22
Published to GR: 2/2/22
An emotional tale about a family that has grown apart. A husband and wife whose marriage is broken, a mother struggling to connect with her daughter, and a daughter figuring out adulthood and what love looks like.
These set of characters are so raw, real, and fueled by their own demons and fears. Rea beautifully explores the themes of love, forgiveness, motherhood, and life lessons. I often stopped at times to re-read passages that were just so beautiful. Rea's prose is intimate, metaphorical, and deep.
I enjoyed this one by Rea and looking forward to reading more from her! I recommend adding this to your list!
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to Suzy and the publisher for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 2/9/22
Published to GR: 2/2/22
January 11, 2022
This was an absolutely addictive domestic drama. Desi and her husband, Peter, along with their 18 year old daughter, Jules, take a vacation for 3 months to stay at their magnificent vacation home in the North Carolina. It feels great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, but more importantly, Desi is hoping the getaway can save her marriage.
Focusing on their marriage takes a back seat when Jules ends up madly in love with a local boy. Meanwhile Desi's misfit brother shows up along with one of Desi's pasts loves.
What follows is an uncovering of secrets, lies and an unfathomable betrayal. The last 50 pages were so intense I was on the edge of my seat.
Although I could relate to much of Desi's choices as it related to her daughter, her treatment of her husband and brother left me perplexed much of the time. I wanted to get more into her head.
Focusing on their marriage takes a back seat when Jules ends up madly in love with a local boy. Meanwhile Desi's misfit brother shows up along with one of Desi's pasts loves.
What follows is an uncovering of secrets, lies and an unfathomable betrayal. The last 50 pages were so intense I was on the edge of my seat.
Although I could relate to much of Desi's choices as it related to her daughter, her treatment of her husband and brother left me perplexed much of the time. I wanted to get more into her head.
November 13, 2021
I have loved all of Rea Frey's books so was excited to read this one. I enjoyed it but my heart was in my throat the entire time! Peter and Desi have grown apart in their marriage so when daughter, Desi decides she doesn't want to go into the city to college (but instead has fallen in love with local boy Will), Desi is beyond disappointed and forces her to commit to a semester. That's the basic premise. There are secrets everywhere in this marriage; Peter and Desi are headed for divorce, old boyfriend Carter is still hanging around, and Jules and Will are more involved than their parents know. So just go with it! Lots of tension and chilling moments but if you know Frey's books you know she won't disappoint!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 8, 2022
5 stars for this tangled web of lies, secrets, and betrayals. This is a taut and emotional betrayal of a family that has grown apart: a husband and wife whose marriage is fractured; a mother struggling to forge a connection with her daughter; a daughter on the cusp of adulthood figuring out life, love, and her future. All three of these characters, as well as the rest of the people who inhabit this book, are amazingly complicated, fueled by their own fears, desires, mistakes, and hopes. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, but I often stopped to reread passages to capture the essence and the emotions of highly-charged, passionate, and raw moments. I had a vested interest in what happened to Jules, Desi, and Peter as they strive to find a way forward not only as a family, but also as individuals.
January 26, 2023
3.5*
I think this book was not as thriller/suspense as I anticipated but more family drama. It was very well written, a great story line.
Desi has worked hard to provide everything for her family. Her husband is an ex-military who suffers from PTSD and has withdrawn. Jules is a newly 18 year old who is experiencing life in the mountains and all it comes with for the first time, college, boyfriends, etc. Then there's Carter, Desi's long lost friend who shows up... but there's history there that no one has truly let go. How do they handle all of the secrets between them and will it take a toll on the family?
I think this book was not as thriller/suspense as I anticipated but more family drama. It was very well written, a great story line.
Desi has worked hard to provide everything for her family. Her husband is an ex-military who suffers from PTSD and has withdrawn. Jules is a newly 18 year old who is experiencing life in the mountains and all it comes with for the first time, college, boyfriends, etc. Then there's Carter, Desi's long lost friend who shows up... but there's history there that no one has truly let go. How do they handle all of the secrets between them and will it take a toll on the family?
January 23, 2022
Omigosh this book.
Engaging, propulsive, and with a dramatic, heart-pounding final act, Secrets of Our House is a dazzling novel, richly-drawn, that shows no matter how hard outside forces may shake you, the bonds of family are stronger than the harshest winds.
I flew through this because the drama was literally non-stop. Just when you think things are settling down, secrets are safely buried… BAM! Think again. Forget what you know about family drama - this book takes it to a whole new level. From secret loves, to first times, accidents and cancer - even the wilderness seems out to get them.
A really fun read - family drama in all it’s glory, with all the secrets, twists, and shocking reveals that propel this deeply-felt, intense novel.
Really great audio narration as well.
Engaging, propulsive, and with a dramatic, heart-pounding final act, Secrets of Our House is a dazzling novel, richly-drawn, that shows no matter how hard outside forces may shake you, the bonds of family are stronger than the harshest winds.
I flew through this because the drama was literally non-stop. Just when you think things are settling down, secrets are safely buried… BAM! Think again. Forget what you know about family drama - this book takes it to a whole new level. From secret loves, to first times, accidents and cancer - even the wilderness seems out to get them.
A really fun read - family drama in all it’s glory, with all the secrets, twists, and shocking reveals that propel this deeply-felt, intense novel.
Really great audio narration as well.
February 20, 2022
If you love domestic drama, Rea Frey's upcoming novel,
Secrets of Our House
is one for you!
Desi has finally achieved her dream of a beautiful getaway home in the mountains of North Carolina. She plans some time away with her husband, Peter, and their 18-year-old daughter, Jules. She’s hoping this will be the opportunity they need to rebuild their marriage before Jules heads off to college at Columbia.
The thing is, nothing is quite what it seems. Jules is in love with a local boy, Will, and doesn’t want to go away to school—in fact she never did. And while Desi wants to rebuild her marriage, she’s not really looking be with Peter, as she’s in love with someone else.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are secrets and lies galore, all ripe for the picking. Some things are obvious if you’ve watched a Lifetime Movie or two, but Frey’s storytelling keeps you hooked, even if the characters may annoy you a bit. I needed to know what was going to happen and if my suspicions were correct.
This is the second of Frey’s books I’ve read and she’s really a compelling writer. I don’t think this is necessarily a mystery or a thriller as it's been marketed; it's just a good, hearty, domestic drama, but if you like this genre, you’ll be hooked.
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Rea Frey, and St. Martin's Griffin for inviting me on the tour and providing me a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Secrets of Our House publishes 2/8/22.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Desi has finally achieved her dream of a beautiful getaway home in the mountains of North Carolina. She plans some time away with her husband, Peter, and their 18-year-old daughter, Jules. She’s hoping this will be the opportunity they need to rebuild their marriage before Jules heads off to college at Columbia.
The thing is, nothing is quite what it seems. Jules is in love with a local boy, Will, and doesn’t want to go away to school—in fact she never did. And while Desi wants to rebuild her marriage, she’s not really looking be with Peter, as she’s in love with someone else.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are secrets and lies galore, all ripe for the picking. Some things are obvious if you’ve watched a Lifetime Movie or two, but Frey’s storytelling keeps you hooked, even if the characters may annoy you a bit. I needed to know what was going to happen and if my suspicions were correct.
This is the second of Frey’s books I’ve read and she’s really a compelling writer. I don’t think this is necessarily a mystery or a thriller as it's been marketed; it's just a good, hearty, domestic drama, but if you like this genre, you’ll be hooked.
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Rea Frey, and St. Martin's Griffin for inviting me on the tour and providing me a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Secrets of Our House publishes 2/8/22.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 8, 2022
I am so glad that I didn't read any reviews or even the summary about this before reading so I didn't have any preconceived notions of what this was about. It's a family drama with some unbelievable and tragic events throughout.
It's told in two POVs--Desi, the mother and her seventeen/eighteen-year-old daughter, Jules. They along with Peter, their husband/father are in North Carolina for the summer. It's a last ditch effort to save Desi and Peter's twenty-year marriage. Peter has been harboring resentment/anger towards his wife for all of that time. It's interesting to find out why.
This is a somewhat predictable story where I guessed how two things would turn out, but I still enjoyed it. I kept turning the pages, because Peter intrigued me. I would have loved to have his point of view.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours, St. Martin's Press and the author for an advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's told in two POVs--Desi, the mother and her seventeen/eighteen-year-old daughter, Jules. They along with Peter, their husband/father are in North Carolina for the summer. It's a last ditch effort to save Desi and Peter's twenty-year marriage. Peter has been harboring resentment/anger towards his wife for all of that time. It's interesting to find out why.
This is a somewhat predictable story where I guessed how two things would turn out, but I still enjoyed it. I kept turning the pages, because Peter intrigued me. I would have loved to have his point of view.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours, St. Martin's Press and the author for an advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2022
A women’s fiction and add family drama with some suspense and you have another great novel by Rea Frey.
Rea is a great storyteller and I couldn’t pry myself away from this book. I felt like I was in the story watching from the sidelines.
Here’s what I loved about it:
- The bond between the two mothers 💔😭 and that’s all I’ll say
- Love the college/life advice Lenore gave Jules
- Bear situation in the woods had my heart racing
- Love the relationship between Will and his family
- Jules’s survival skills are amazing. Her will, determination, fearlessness, and strong mindset at such a young age is inspiring.
- Love the ending and how the mother/daughter relationship progressed.
- Love seeing Desi’s character grow and learn.
There are other parts I want to include, but I don’t want to spoil it for readers.
While I predicted a couple of the twists, there was one that I didn’t pick up on. Regardless, the story is beautiful and it didn’t take away from it.
Overall, an excellent read and I can officially say Rea Frey is an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE is out February 8!
Rea is a great storyteller and I couldn’t pry myself away from this book. I felt like I was in the story watching from the sidelines.
Here’s what I loved about it:
- The bond between the two mothers 💔😭 and that’s all I’ll say
- Love the college/life advice Lenore gave Jules
- Bear situation in the woods had my heart racing
- Love the relationship between Will and his family
- Jules’s survival skills are amazing. Her will, determination, fearlessness, and strong mindset at such a young age is inspiring.
- Love the ending and how the mother/daughter relationship progressed.
- Love seeing Desi’s character grow and learn.
There are other parts I want to include, but I don’t want to spoil it for readers.
While I predicted a couple of the twists, there was one that I didn’t pick up on. Regardless, the story is beautiful and it didn’t take away from it.
Overall, an excellent read and I can officially say Rea Frey is an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE is out February 8!
May 1, 2024
Not my very favorite book, but not all books can become a favorite. I thought it was predictable. But I did enjoy it once I got totally into it. The beginning was a little slow for me. But I would still recommend this book to someone to read if you enjoy this genre.
January 13, 2022
This was a crazy but good ride of a book! I really enjoyed it. Rounding this one up to a 5, it was probably closer to a 4.5. I wouldn’t say it was the most technical procedurally, or most suspenseful ever but it for sure held my attention and I don’t think that’s always accomplished with an easy quick read. I enjoyed the setting, our characters, the plot, and the writing. It was an easy read, which is really nice sometimes, but didn’t skimp on content in my opinion. I enjoyed our authors previous book ‘Not Her Daughter’ so when I found out I had won this book I was very excited and was looking very forward to it. It actually exceeded my expectations. It was one of those that felt more like watching a movie instead of reading a book. It really put me into a different place and was an escape. It took me a bit to complete but that was only because of the holiday season and some personal stuff, not at all that I didn’t want to pick up the book. This was a good solid book and I will for sure be loaning this out to a couple people. Can’t wait to see what we have next from Rea Frey.
Huge thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for providing giveaways. Their giveaway has in no way influenced my rating, nor was I under any obligation to review the book after reading it.
Huge thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for providing giveaways. Their giveaway has in no way influenced my rating, nor was I under any obligation to review the book after reading it.
November 22, 2021
Desi and her family have a dream getaway house set in the mountains of North Carolina. They call it “The Black House”. They love to visit during the summer time. This family has many secrets! Desi is in love with a man named Carter from her past that she has never stopped loving. Her marriage to Peter is falling apart and her daughter, Jules, is in love with a local young man named Will. Desi wants her daughter to go to Columbia University where she was recently accepted, but Jules wants to stay in North Carolina with her first love. Will this family figure out what is best for everyone?
I loved this book! The events taking place in this book felt very real and believable. Rea Frey is a brilliant writer. All of her books that I have read so far have been highly entertaining and this was no different. I really like her style. She knows how to capture her audience. I could not put this one down! Make sure to get a copy of SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE. I will be looking forward to her future books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
I loved this book! The events taking place in this book felt very real and believable. Rea Frey is a brilliant writer. All of her books that I have read so far have been highly entertaining and this was no different. I really like her style. She knows how to capture her audience. I could not put this one down! Make sure to get a copy of SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE. I will be looking forward to her future books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
July 22, 2021
It started off so well, but having 4 major "things" (for no spoilers) was too much and unbelievable.
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