Monday, October 26, 2015

Secrets She Kept

GIVEAWAY

GOHLKE, CATHY
SECRETS SHE KEPT

The secret a mother was forbidden to share . . . the consequences a daughter could not redeem—but will risk everything in her attempt.

All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah unlocks secrets of her mother’s mysterious past, including the discovery of a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father, ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, demands a marriage for his daughter to help advance his career. But Lieselotte is in love—and her beloved Lukas secretly works against the Reich. How far will her father go to achieve his goal?

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who hides wartime secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past, and how their legacy will shape her future.
  

My Review:

Magnificent. Shocking. Mesmerizing. I'm stunned, grappling for words to describe the breadth and depth of this story. The emotional impact it has made on me. The spiritual awakening that has stirred my soul. I blink back tears and swallow against the lump in my throat as my heart burns with equal measures of untold sorrow and joy-filled hope.

Hannah and Lieselotte's stories are told in a canny two part harmony until the moment the past and present collide in a crescendo of a climax.  Impeccably paced, the author slips back and forth in time, leaving me hanging on every word. And I think I felt every emotion imaginable during my reading journey. I feel rather shell-shocked at the conclusion. The kind of worn-out peace that comes after a good long crying-jag.

This is not a book to read lightly. It is the kind that makes a powerful impact. Leaves a lasting impression. Compels you to examine the state of your heart and your faith. Simply stunning.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Secrets She Kept please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

55 comments:

  1. Wow. I have heard such amazing words about this book! I would love to read Secrets She Kept.

    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Oh Anne -- it's incredible. Just checked as I was posting my reviews on various sites and they are all four and five stars. Good luck.

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  2. I am intrigued by this one, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's beyond intriguing. Good luck Melanie.

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  3. Kav, this sounds like one I'd really like. I love novels with real depth. Pick me, pick me! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  4. Looks intriguing. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  5. Sounds like a really good read.
    karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Wow! I am adding this book to my to the top of my "want to read" list.

    dandtdearing {at} earthlink {dot} net

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    1. It belongs on everyone's TBR list. Good luck, Tammi.

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  7. sounds great

    alysap at yahoo dot com

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  8. This sounds intense. I would love to read it.
    melissa dot snoopy at yahoo dot com

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    1. Intense is a very apt description. Good luck, Melissa.

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  9. I enjoy reading two generational stories ~ this one sounds like three! Thank you for your review, Kav. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  10. I've seen this on a couple of other blogs & read a the reviews, they've made me want to read it for myself. I especially enjoyed your review, Kav, and love the depth you describe that's in the story. I like books that "compel you to examine the state of your heart and your faith". That's the kind that stick with you for a long while and change something within you! Excited for the chance to win this :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, this story will be on my mind and in my heart for a long time to come. Good luck, Trixi.

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  11. I have heard so many fabulous reviews about this one and you confirmed it! I want it!
    LattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. We all can't be wrong, right? Good luck, Susan.

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  12. What a wonderful author ! I've heard lots of great reviews on this and based on the other great books she has this a a not to be missed one. Please enter me for the drawing. Thank you.

    Deanne Patterson Book1lovingmomma at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, this book is astonishingly good. All those reviews can't be wrong! Good luck, Deanne.

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  13. Wow. What a great review. I have been wanting to read this one for awhile. Now I want to read it all the more. Thanks for the giveaway.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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  14. thanks for the opportunity to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  15. I still want and need to read Cathy Gohlke's, Saving Amelie. Secrets She Kept is getting as much book love as all of her others.

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. Saving Amelie is one of my favourite books as well. This author has a knack for approaching a story in a unique way. Good luck, Terrill.

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  16. It's amazing the secrets some people keep! Sounds like Hannah has quite a journey of discovery.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. You have no idea, Patty. Such an amazing read. Good luck.

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  17. Hey Kav! I love to read stories that cause me to pause and reflect. I can't wait to read SECRETS SHE KEPT.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. This is the book for you, Caryl. Good luck.

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  18. What an incredible book this sounds like! I am anxious to read it. Thanks for the nice review. I had not heard of this book before.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. It's getting rave reviews everywhere, rubynreba. Good luck.

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  19. This one sounds like a must-read. I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the great review!
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. I've been wanting to get my hands on this one! While I've only read a couple of Cathy's books, they've had such an impact. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. It's a definite must read as far as I'm concerned. Good luck, Rachael.

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  21. I have read so many excellant reviews on this book. It sounds like a story that you almost approach with a mixture of fear and anticipation.....you know what I mean? Fear in that you know that it was a horrific time in history and do I really want to experience the heartache I know is within these pages? But also equal feelings of curiousity, anticipation & hope that truth will prevail, wrongs will be made right and that hearts will never turn cold to the adversity of others, having the courage to stand and do what is right. Sounds like I'll definitely need a box of kleenex! Thanks for your great review & the opportunity of this giveaway, Kav! ~Alison Boss

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Brilliantly said, Alison -- yes fear and anticipation rules the day when approaching this book. Good luck!

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  22. This one had intrigued me for a while! :) I'd love to read it!

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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  23. I was not aware Cathy had a new book out. Even if I don't win, I will be buying her book for the church library.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It definitely belongs in your library collection. Good luck, Janet.

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  24. sounds fascinating. mknewswangerATgmailDOTcom

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  25. Thanks for the review Kav. I would love to win Cathy's book. I am still wanting her Finding Amelie. Some interesting stories.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. I loved Finding Amelie. This author approaches WWII stories in such unique ways. Good luck, Maxie.

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  26. Great review, Kav. I have goosebumps of how connected to the book I feel now!
    Count me in, please.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's such an amazing read! Good luck, Janka.

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  27. Sounds like this would be an awesome read.
    Thanks
    amylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net

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