Secrets and Everything Else
It was refreshing to find a new author in the genre of my favorites, Robyn Carr, Sherryl Woods and Susan Wiggs.This novel, set in New Mexico, combines the author's interest in food with mystery, second chances and of course the requisite love story. I could have done without the author's inclusion of her recipes throughout the book since it has been done so much lately. I enjoyed how the author developed the relationships between the characters linking the past to the present but not in the ways I had expected.
This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading her first book.
Rated of 5
by Colleen L. (Casco, Maine)
Secret of Everything
I loved this book. The characters are interesting and the author does a great job telling you a little about them in the beginning and then eventually tying all the threads together. I like the way the author builds the story chapter by chapter. This left me so very anxious to see what happened that I actually read the entire book in one day. I particularly enjoyed the ending in which Tessa and Natalie engage in a pilgrimage. I also greatly enjoyed the recipes! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books about relationships. Thank you VERY much Bantam for allowing me the opportunity to preview this book.
Rated of 5
by Gwendolyn D. (Houston, TX)
Self Discovery with a Dash of Romance
Grappling with the guilt of a recent hiking catastrophe, adventure tour leader Tessa Harlow heads to the fictional town of Los Ladrones, New Mexico to research a possible future tour. While in Los Ladrones, deeply buried memories surface, and Tessa must come to terms with her past as she embarks on a quest to figure out what her ominous memories are telling her. The colorful characters of Los Ladrones play a large role in Tessa's quest, particularly the hunky and reliable Vince Grasso and his three daughters.
The Secret of Everything grabbed me from the first page, and I read this almost-400 page novel in just a few days. Tessa's investigation into her past is suspenseful and keeps the story moving forward quickly. I also enjoyed the real-world romance story, mixed up with children, loads of laundry, and work. The recipes that appeared at the end of some of the chapters seemed a bit out of place, but they're easy enough to skip over. All in all, The Secret of Everything is a well-written light romance mixed with a story of self discovery.
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL)
The Secret of Everything
This book is very well written and keeps the reader wanting to read on but hating to see it end. The use of recipes at the end of each chapter is interesting and useful to "foodies". Would recommend to anyone who would like a good read.
Rated of 5
by Diane D. (Blairstown, NJ)
A Great Read
I knew I was going to like this book from what I read on BookBrowse's synopsis of it, and I was not disappointed; it captivated me from beginning to end!
I enjoy books that are about women who overcome odds, and this is one of those. There were times, when I was on the edge of my seat, which I think also makes for a good novel.
Though I guessed some of what happened, it didn't spoil it for me; and I think others, who enjoy books that combine romance, mystery and action will like this book.
Rated of 5
by Sharon S. (Stanley, N.C.)
"The Secret of Everything" by Barbara O'Neal
If you are a product of the sixties you will want to read "The Secret of Everything". Tessa Harlow has a job most of us can only dream of, but with this comes along a quest to find out who she is. Tessa has only a few memories of her childhood, but after an accident that brings her close to death she decides to search for the answers that have plagued her since childhood.Where or who will have the key to unlock her memories? Along the way she finds great food, new love and all the answers she has been searching for. A great fast read that book clubs will find very engaging! This would make for a great movie !
Rated of 5
by Kathleen S. (Danbury, CT)
Enjoyable, but ...
I found this book interesting, however would have liked it even more if all of the story lines had been fully developed. There were several instances where a character had a thought or idea at the end of a chapter that implied further investigation, and then the issue never came up again. A fairly quick read.
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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by Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)
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