Rated of 5
by Carol N. (San Jose, CA) The Secret of Everything
I can’t say I was smitten with this book. . . interesting premise, but unknown author and very few expectations. The book’s main character is a young woman in her 30’s whose mother died when she was a child. All that Tessa really knows about her early childhood is that she and her parents lived in a New Mexico commune. Working as an adventure guide and recovering from a recent physical injury, she decides to combine a work fact-finding trip with business and return to the commune.
I thought this was a unique and interesting setting, and found the interspersed recipes neat however this gimmick has overused by authors. Once Tessa arrives in the area of the commune (now an organic farm/bakery), she meets up with a variety of interesting people, and includes Vince, a single dad of three little girls. I certainly was in the mood to enjoy a little romance (sex) but the author’s pornographic descriptions were a little out of character for the rest of the book. The book was crowded with too many choppy, never fully developed story lines and lacked the thrust to keep me reading. I put it down several times finding it didn’t have that special something to draw me immediately back. Would Tessa ever learn or remember about her early history? Never did figure the author’s intention by the insertion of the mysterious man in the plaza – rather odd and really didn’t fit. My last comment is about the ending .... too quick, neatly resolved and somewhat forced.
Rated of 5
by Wilhelmina H. (Florida) Would Recommend
Overall I enjoyed reading this. I liked the writing style and found the characters to be mostly believable. I liked the author's use of words and phrases in describing sights and sounds, places and people. There are a few uneven patches regarding flow within the storyline - these parts didn't have quite enough detail or connection to make them fit well into the rest of the story and seemed either under-developed or not necessary. However, those parts don't take much away from the overall book. I would recommend this to readers looking for a not quite mystery, not quite romance, but a light blend of both. Weird deja-vu moment today ... drove past a house with windowsills painted similarly to those described in the book.
Rated of 5
by Eileen L. (Danvers, MA) Sweet but a bit predictable The Secret of Everything is not terribly secretive, but a charming little book nonetheless. The characters, lmeant to be colorful, are little cliche, but likable enough. The premise of the book, reconciling the past with the present, unfolds at an intriguing pace but just does not offer up many surprises. The language in parts of it, describing the landscape, and particularly the descriptions of the subjects of Tessa's photography, are quite beautiful. O'Neal has an interesting voice but may want to dig a little deeper in order to really grab her reader. All in all a light, quick read to pass an afternoon.
Rated of 5
by Shawna L. (Idaho Falls, Idaho) The secret of everything
This was a very moving book. I started it and then just had to finish it! It has everything you need for a wonderful read, it left me with a tear in my eye and a heart warmed from the inside out.
This book has a food theme as does her other book The Lost Recipe for Happiness. I am not a great cook but The Secret of Everything just awakens a need in me to become one, it is amazing what food can do ;o). I had instant connection to the books characters. The location makes me want to book a flight to New Mexico tomorrow. Photography was another pastime in this book that I really enjoyed. I am also a sucker for happy endings and this book just delighted me with just the right kind of Happy Ending I could think about long after I finished the last page!
Rated of 5
by Gigi K. (Lufkin,, TX.) A Secret?
The best thing about this book to me was the characters. I'd enjoy having them living on my block. Other than that, I had a difficult time staying interested. I was content just reading a chapter and putting it down. The recipes at the end of the chapters seemed rather "gimmicky".
Rated of 5
by Deb Y. (Blanco, TX) Romance is in the Air!
This is a lovely romance, and I enjoy lovely romances. The only thing better than a lovely romance is a lovely period romance, but this is not one of those. Tessa and Vince and their many-faceted story will win over even the most curmudgeonly! Please do yourself a favor and read this nice book - no thinking involved, just pure enjoyment.
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of 5
by Carol N. (San Jose, CA) 
of 5
by Wilhelmina H. (Florida) 
