Secret Lives

I came across this book on the library shelf of an inn where I was staying while traveling for work. It had been a long day, I was stressed and tired, and I just wanted something to put me to sleep. Bad choice for that, it turned out; I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning because I had to finish the story! This is a gripping story with unforgettable characters who make you really care about them. I don't want to give away the ending (although the Publishers Weekly review does), but it was surprising and touching and *right*. Generally I much prefer nonfiction, but Diane Chamberlain is an excellent writer and I will definitely be looking for more books by her.

I'm writing this a week or so after reading the book and little remains with me (as is often the case these days anyway... :p) but I enjoyed reading it, staying up half the night to finish it. With the instant attraction between the main character and the man-with-the-mysterious-past, I got suspicious that this was just going to be some silly romance novel, but it turned out to be much more. The story was nicely layered, honest, written in satisfyingly clear language, and with well-developed main characters. It all tied up very nicely in the end and leaves one with a satisfying feeling that everything has been explained.

I'll probably try more of her books, esp if they're under $5 :p

Loved this republished Nook e-book, and as usual Diane Chamberlain never disappoints! I was delighted to read Diane’s comments at the end of the book as to the creation of the story. (Even though I have an imagination; this book goes beyond expectations. I enjoy learning how an author uncovers an idea and brings it to fruition with their insights-- will not spoil this for potential readers. )

Secret Lives was most definitely a work of exceptional structure, pacing, and revelations (author’s goal), which was elegantly achieved through Diane’s writing style, usage of characters, different generations, controversial issues-- molestation, sex, agoraphobia, conceiving within families/cousins, love, romance, archaeology, generations, and show more particularly liked the first person writing with the journal entries, which makes it so realistic and personal. In addition the author’s past social work really shines with her detail, insight, knowledge, and research within all her books.

Even though Kate may have been strange and loved her solitude in the caves; however, can relate as creative (writers, artists, etc.) people tend to like solitude as they need this alone time, as I treasure alone time. This is what made her a talented writer. Lou was a very supportive character and you really sympathize with Ben and Kyle throughout the book. Eden grows on you as the book moves on and especially loved the ending to a very poignant and beautifully written book. I look forward to reading Chamberlain’s older books as they are published via e-book and retaining the original writing adds character. show less

She did not disappoint... Diane Chamberlain has done it again...once again another one of her novels that I could hardly put down. At first I did not like Eden but she started to grow on me... Full of twists but also believable and realistic. Come on, Lifetime pick up some of these novels and turn them into films!!! 

A fairly convoluted tale that evolves in a way that is not completely satisfying. It held my interest, but I'm finding it is not sticking with me a couple of weeks after finishing the book.

Beach read. It was just a fairly predictable romance with a topical focus (child molestation, agoraphobia, etc). Didn't really keep my interest.

Book given me by Irena. As Irena said it is well written. The story follows a successful actress, Eden Riley, who decides to make a film about her mis-understood mother, following her divorce. But she has to return to her childhood home that she had run away from as a young woman, because she needs to talk to her Uncle Kyle who is probably the only person who knew her mother well. Eden has an awkward relationship with her uncle and aunt Louise, despite their unconditional love for her, but that's because of her feelings of guilt about what happened before she left. Little by little, the stories of their pasts are revealed as Eden reads the Notebooks left by her mother, and learns not only intimate details about her straight-talking, but show more agoraphobic mother, but also about her Uncle Kyle, and ultimately about herself. Eden also meets Ben Alexander, an archeologist friend and student of Kyle's. Ben has problems of his own, accused of molesting his daughter, serving time in jail for it, his marriage ended and no employer willing to hire him, Kyle has taken him on to work on his own dig near Kate Riley's cave where she wrote her popular children's stories. Ben's story is also revealed as his relationship progresses with Eden. Although Eden believes he is innocent, she can't help doubting him as fears and tensions surface when her daughter visits, and her reputation is threatened. All their stories and interactions, including Kate Riley's story are woven together expertly and develop not too unsurprisingly! It has a happy ending, where everything is resolved neatly and Ben is exonorated. A typically American ending, as Irena put it. Perhaps. I like happy endings, but considering the subject matter, clear-cut happy endings are most unlikely in reality. show less