Books matching: navigating family secrets

61 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 61 
  1. #1

    Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James
    Save:

    Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James is a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows Jo Manders, a widow who lost her husband in the war and is struggling to support herself and her sick mother. She takes a job as a paid companion to her husband's wealthy and condescending Aunt Dottie, leading her to the family estate in the Sussex countryside, where dark secrets and mysteries unravel. Jo is haunted by a restless spirit and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her husband's past and the mysterious death in the family, all while navigating eerie atmospheres and suspenseful plot twists.

    The book is described as a blend of ghost story, mystery, suspense, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a riveting Gothic love war mystery with a strong and practical heroine. Set in a post-WWI era, the novel delves into themes of grief, deception, and independence, as Jo discovers hidden truths about her husband and the sinister forces at work in Wych Elm House. The writing style is praised for being atmospheric, murky, and deftly drawn, providing an immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged until the end.

    By the time we left Calais, I thought perhaps I hated Dottie Forsyth. To the observer, I had no reason for it, since by employing me as her companion Dottie had saved me from both poverty and a life r...

  2. #2
    We Were Liars
    Book 1 in the series:We Were Liars

    We Were Liars - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
    Save:

    'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a story about a privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book follows Cadence, one of the Sinclair grandchildren, as she returns to the island after a traumatic accident during the summer of fifteen, trying to recover her memories. The plot revolves around the mystery of what happened to Cadence and her friends, known as the Liars, during that fateful summer. The writing style is described as beautifully written, haunting, and with a twist that keeps readers engaged until the end.

    The novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of privilege, family dysfunction, love, friendship, and secrets. The narrative unfolds delicately, revealing the story bit by bit as Cadence remembers the events surrounding her accident. The book delves into themes of race, power, greed, and features a shocking twist ending that catches readers by surprise, making it a captivating and heartbreaking read.

    Dad was a middling-successful professor of military history. Back then I adored him. He wore tweed jackets. He was gaunt. He drank milky tea. He was fond of board games and let me win, fond of boats a...

  3. #3

    All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth
    Save:

    All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth is a gripping mystery novel that follows 17-year-old Charlie Calloway as she delves into her family's past, particularly the mysterious disappearance of her mother, Grace Fairchild, ten years ago. The story unfolds through flashbacks between Grace's life and Charlie's present-day experiences at the prestigious Knollwood Prep School. As Charlie becomes part detective, she uncovers secrets about a murder that occurred at the school in her father's time, leading to shocking revelations that could unravel her family's stability.

    The narrative weaves together elements of family drama, mystery, and high school dynamics, offering a unique blend of suspense, twists, and deep exploration of class differences, privilege, and teenage struggles. Through a series of unexpected events and startling connections, Charlie navigates a complex web of secrets and betrayals, ultimately seeking the truth behind her mother's disappearance and discovering her own identity in the process.

    Good morning, good day, some say, “Salut.” Herein lies a formal invitation, just for you. Forgive the anonymity of the sender, but you know who we are. And we’re big admirers of yours, from afar. We’r...

  4. #4

    Only Time Will Tell - The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer
    Save:

    'Only Time Will Tell' is the first book in 'The Clifton Chronicles' series by Jeffrey Archer. The story follows Harry Clifton, a poor but highly intelligent boy, as he navigates his way out of the slums and dockyard to Bristol Grammar School and an offer at a place at Oxford. The plot is filled with twists and turns, secrets from the past, and complex web of events and characters that keep the reader engaged. The book is written in a unique style, with different parts narrated from the perspective of different characters, providing new insights and enhancing the depth of the storytelling.

    Whenever I questioned my mother about his death, she didn’t say any more than that he’d served with the Royal Gloucestershire Regiment and had been killed fighting on the Western Front only days befor...

  5. #5
    Nowhere But Here
    Book 1 in the series:Thunder Road

    Nowhere But Here - Thunder Road by Katie McGarry
    Save:

    'Nowhere But Here' by Katie McGarry is a captivating story that delves into the world of motorcycle clubs, family secrets, and unexpected relationships. The book follows the journey of Emily and Oz as they navigate through misunderstandings, self-discovery, and the complexities of their intertwined lives. With a mix of suspense, romance, and emotional depth, the story unfolds to reveal the true essence of the characters and the unconventional bonds that tie them together. McGarry's writing style shines through as she crafts a narrative filled with flirty banter, heartfelt conversations, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    Other than that, I love my life. While some of my friends are all, “Woe is me, no one understands my traumatized soul,” I’m pretty happy. I like happy. I like simple. I like predictable and I hate sur...

  6. #6

    Rocky Mountain Angel - Six Pack Ranch by Vivian Arend
    Save:

    Rocky Mountain Angel follows the story of Gabe and Allison, who enter into a pretend engagement to fulfill their own needs. The plot revolves around their developing relationship, dealing with family secrets, and facing challenges such as sickness and loss. The writing style is described as easygoing, filled with dialogues, and focuses on the emotions and dynamics between the characters.

    Dust motes hovered in the sun streaming through the open barn door. Gabe Coleman leaned back on a wall and took a deep breath. The heavy scent of farm animals filled his nostrils. Familiar as it was p...

    (Also, see 39 recommendations for the series Six Pack Ranch )

  7. #7

    Kartography by Kamila Shamsie
    Save:

    "Kartography" by Kamila Shamsie is a novel set in Karachi, Pakistan, during a period of political unrest and civil war. The story follows the intertwined lives of Karim and Raheen, childhood friends from affluent families, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and family secrets. The narrative beautifully weaves together elements of personal relationships, historical events, and the city of Karachi itself, creating a compelling story that delves into themes of forgiveness, identity, and the impact of past choices on present lives.

    The writing style in "Kartography" is described as lyrical, evocative, and rich with detail. Kamila Shamsie's prose captures the essence of Karachi, painting a vivid portrait of a city caught in the turmoil of civil war and political strife. Through the characters of Karim and Raheen, the author explores the nuances of human emotions, the complexities of family dynamics, and the enduring bonds of friendship that are tested by time, distance, and buried secrets.

    Of course the garden is located where all our beginnings, Karim’s and mine, are located: Karachi. That spider-plant city where, if you know what to look for and some higher power is feeling indulgent,...

  8. #8
    Summer on the Bluffs
    Book 1 in the series:Oak Bluffs

    Summer on the Bluffs - Oak Bluffs by Sunny Hostin
    Save:

    "Summer on the Bluffs" by Sunny Hostin follows the lives of Ama, Omar, and their three goddaughters as they navigate love, wealth, trust, and family secrets in the beautiful setting of Martha's Vineyard. The story unfolds slowly, revealing complex characters and relationships that keep readers engaged until the very end. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of mystery, love, heartache, and forgiveness woven throughout the plot.


  9. #9

    Her Robot Wolf - Shamans & Shifters Space Opera by Jenny Schwartz
    Save:

    In "Her Robot Wolf," the plot revolves around Vulf Trent, an alpha lone wolf shifter who works as a bounty hunter aboard the Orion, a m'La'an designed ship with a unique AI named Ahab. The story follows Vulf, Jaya Romanov, a powerful Shaman, and Ahab as they embark on grand adventures in a post-earth galactic setting, dealing with mysterious sha energy, rare gifted humans, and non-human species. The narrative combines shamanic magic and shifter magic in a space opera with a paranormal twist, providing an engaging and absorbing storyline with elements of action, love, immense power, and unanswered questions that set the stage for future books.

    The book introduces readers to a world where shifters, separated from Earth's people, have become legal pirates and founded their own world, Corsairs, a safe haven for raising their children. The character dynamics, particularly the instinctual attraction between Vulf and Jaya, the unique blend of familiar and creative elements in the alien species, and the character development of Jaya as a kickass heroine surrounded by a great cast, all contribute to making "Her Robot Wolf" a fun, fast-paced, and intriguing space opera fantasy with clever twists and a good balance of action, teamwork, and steamy romance.


  10. #10
    Scandalous
    Book 1 in the series:Banning Sisters

    Scandalous - Banning Sisters by Karen Robards
    Save:

    Readers of 'Scandalous' by Karen Robards find themselves immersed in a captivating love story filled with action, romance, and suspense. The book follows a unique storyline that keeps the readers engaged and eager to uncover what happens next. Despite some misprints and abrupt endings, the characters and plot are well-developed, making it an enjoyable historical romantic read. The writing style of Karen Robards is praised for being easy to follow and making the characters believable, although some readers mention a preference for less graphic content.


Page 1 of 7Next Page