As I looked at the title of this book, I instantly knew it was a book I wanted to read. The depth of emotions, situations, and characters within the pages grabbed my attention. When I had to put this book down, I despised every minute of waiting to find out how the story would turn out.

I warn you this book contains intense subject from mental illness in Josephine and Nadine’s mother, thoughts of abortion, the death of a baby, and more. Yet God, faith, love, and family bring this book full circle. Truly, the author of all things created us in our mothers’ wombs and knew us before we were born.

The importance of faith, love, and forgiveness creates a meaningful, heart-breaking, tear-filled, and inspirational story by the time the book concludes. Kennedy adds an extra dimension to the story as Josephine’s son. The quirkiness of her grandmother brings laughter and joy to the story as well. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Complicated and messy are two good words to describe the relationships depicted in Camille Eide’s newest contemporary novel, The Secret Place. And the main relationships in question are that of sisters making this novel a good choice for fans of women’s fiction. The main plot features Josie, a single mom-by-proxy who does whatever it takes to protect her son, Kennedy. That she does so while wrestling with feelings of regret and guilt just underscores the tumult her life has become. With a theme of abandonment and elements of mental illness and drug abuse, this is not really an easy book to read. And while I often found it hard to like the characters (their continued mistakes and attitudes), their struggles are certainly true-to-life. The message of hope in a Father who does not abandon and the peace He can bring in the midst of turmoil is strong, yet not every preachy. The resolution at the end will surprise you too — I kept the pages turning faster and faster as I raced to find out what would finally happen.

A novel to contemplate and discuss, I think The Secret Place would make a good book club choice. Recommended.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Sometimes there aren’t adequate words to write to explain how powerful a book is. I find myself emotionally drained after reading this story, yet I also feel renewed. Within the pages I found hope when things seemed unsalvageable. I loved getting to know Josie and her heart to always keep her twin sister, Nadine safe. In an instant that bind was broken and fractured by a broken promise. Oh how I cried for Nadine who never felt good enough. Even though they were twins one took a path of destruction while the other became the responsible one.

Getting to look inside the dynamics of this family we find many secrets that have caused pain and jealousy. For one family member a loss became too much as they blamed themselves for the unthinkable. I won’t say much about this part because as it unravels the author creates a storyline that tugs on the soul. This person found her secret place where her mind protected her from the truth. Her heartbreaking journey shows how damaging blame can cause someone to crawl into their lonely world.

Love is something that we all want to feel, but for some it never appears. The author shows us how love runs deep and always forgives. The faith elements in the story are strong with a message of forgiveness. I wanted the characters who were wavering in their faith to surrender to God. My heart was heavy as Josie wanted so hard to keep Kennedy safe. I didn’t miss the reference in the story about the two women who both claimed the child was theirs. The author uses this illustration in a beautiful way to show how much Kennedy was loved.

I know there are other characters I should mention but I think I will let readers discover them on their own. The title of the book was something I really thought about. We all have our secret place and I began to think how the author subtlety showed us some of them. Our secret place could be when we are talking to God as he comforts us. We can go to our secret place in our journal or diary or in church where we pray and feel His presence. Or maybe our secret place is just being surrounded by family. Whatever your secret place is let it be a place of peace, grace, forgiveness and unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Everyone’s story differs. Even when it comes to twins. Once inseparable twins who life has torn apart and the chasm between them seems too great to cross. Grab the tissues and settle in because once you meet Josie, Kennedy, Libby, Will, and the other characters, you’re not going to want to leave them.

In The Secret Place, Camille Eide’s poignant and evocative tale of family—complete with secrets, struggles, pain, and bitterness—deals with some tough issues (mental illness, abandonment, and bitterness to name just a few). Yet Eide weaves these into her novel so naturally and with a sense of hope for restoration, I couldn’t help but connect with her characters. Especially Josie.

This book left me pondering what areas of my life I have taken back control from the One who sees the entire picture. Am I hiding from blessings out of my own fear instead of trusting in God’s plan for my life?

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“One person’s baggage could be someone else’s blessing.”

Camille Eide has penned a beautiful and poignant novel that pulled me a little bit out of my comfort zone but left me awed and inspired by its thought-provoking messages of hope, grace, and forgiveness. Although some of the topics touched on are sensitive in nature, Eide deals with them compassionately and carefully.

“Grace was a bridge that says I love you no matter what.”

The characters are multi-layered, realistically-flawed, and colorful, and the story drew me in from the first and kept me riveted to the end. Several twists and turns added surprise and suspense to the tale. I loved the growth in Josie as she came to realize that we can’t control the actions and feelings of others, even though it hurts us and tears us apart. We have to forgive and move on as best we can.

“. . . sometimes we can get ourselves stuck in a bitter rut because we can’t forgive people for not being who we need them to be.”

I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy deep, thought-provoking, and inspirational stories that touch the heart. I can always count on Camille Eide for a beautiful tale that resonates with me. 4.5 stars.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. ( )