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Kate Hewitt
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The Secrets We Keep: A gripping emotional page turner (Powerful emotional novels about impossible choices by Kate Hewitt) Kindle Edition

by Kate Hewitt (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 19,459 ratings
My whole body aches. I trawl memories of her, now so precious... my darling child. I can’t lose her…

When Tessa arrives at the little house by the lake with her two children, it is an escape. The rental house may be a bit small—but it’s theirs for the summer. A place to hide…

However, their isolation is disrupted by the family from the big house next door. Three children and their glamorous mother Rebecca—who seems determined to invite Tessa into their lives.

Rebecca, however, is harbouring a dark secret. And when it becomes too much for her to bear, Tessa seems to be the only person she can turn to.

But as powerful bonds form between the two families, choices will be made that can never be undone. And as the summer comes to an end, nothing can keep everyone safe. And one family will pay the ultimate price…

A gripping, powerful emotional page turner with a heartbreaking twist, for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emily Bleeker and Diane Chamberlain.

Readers are loving The Secrets We Keep:


“Holy heck!!! Kate Hewitt brought her A-game with this must read... I was completely entranced… There were so many well-timed twists and turns and just when I thought I couldn’t be surprised anymore, there was another bomb waiting to drop!!… A complete 5 star novel that will most certainly “wow” you!” Steph and Chris’ Book Review, 5 stars

“A powerful, emotional and captivating book… very gripping… a fantastic story.” MoMo’s Book Diary, 5 stars

“Emotional, suspenseful, truthful...these all describe this gut wrenching story of two very different women and the summer they share… I couldn't put it down! The suspense built higher and higher feeling almost like a Hitchcock movie.” Goodreads reviewer

“It had me on the edge of my seat with tears in my eyes. It is a very heart wrenching book to read and incredibly moving.” Goodreads reviewer

“Captivating, suspenseful, entertaining novel! This beautiful thriller kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading it!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Oh my god!! What a heartbreaking twist...I absolutely loved this book sooooo much.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“An absolutely, heart wrenchingly, emotional book… Be warned, you will shed tears!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A story about friendship, hope, and how we can help each other get through the tough times in our lives… captivated me from the start… I love, love, love this book.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I could not put [it] down, I just had to find out what happens next… I enjoyed every minute.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“The ending… tore at my heartstrings.” Goodreads reviewer

“I was totally immersed in this beautifully told story and felt really sad by the time I reached the end. Uniquely wonderful… I loved every single page of it.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I cried so much during this book. I couldn't put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I have just finished reading this book, and am blown away. I didn't want the book to end, but I couldn't put it down… Engrossing.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Wow! This book really kept me on my toes. There are a lot of twists and turns that I was not expecting… I highly recommend this book, but prepare yourself for the emotional roller coaster!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Does not let go until you have read the last page. It will pull at your heart strings and break your heart at the same time.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A highly emotional and suspenseful book which left me in tears in some parts and biting my nails in others… One emotional rollercoaster of a story with twists and turns aplenty.” Stardust Book Reviews
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  1. Part of series
    Powerful emotional novels about impossible choices by Kate Hewitt
  2. Print length
    456 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 6, 2018
  5. File size
    1.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DLWQNGT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (September 6, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 6, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 456 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 19,459 ratings

About the author

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Kate Hewitt

Kate Hewitt

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Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called 'unputdownable' and 'the most emotional book I have ever read' by readers.

An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), and their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate's Reads, to discuss all manner of books. Links can be found on her website, katehewittbooks (.com).

Her latest releases are The Girl Who Never Gave Up a WW2 novel based on the true story of the doomed refugee ship the St Louis, The Midnight Hour, the second in her dystopian series Lost Lake, and Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall, the second standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls. There's something for everyone so do check them all out, and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate's books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate's Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
19,459 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book easy to read and impossible to put down, with a storyline that keeps them interested through the end. The emotional content receives mixed reactions, with some appreciating how it pulls at readers' hearts while others find it too depressing. The character development and pacing also receive mixed reviews - while some praise the well-developed characters, others find them laughable, and while the story has many twists and turns, some say it lacks page-turning interest. The book's realism receives mixed feedback, with some finding it realistic while others say it's empty of realism.

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410 customers mention "Readability"347 positive63 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well-written, with one customer describing it as a wonderful page-turner.

"...It was a delight to read. I laughed at the silly things the parents did like skinny dipping in the lake while the children were asleep...." Read more

"...A fascinating novel that is both complex and simple in its storyline...." Read more

"...Other than to say it was one of the best novels I've read in the "women's fiction" category. I didn't like Rebecca at first...." Read more

"...This could have been a good story, the idea is solid. But it was just not really believable...." Read more

77 customers mention "Page turner"62 positive15 negative

Customers describe this book as a real page turner that is wonderfully believable and true to life.

"...It was realistic and relatable. Engaging and enthralling...." Read more

"...This could have been a good story, the idea is solid. But it was just not really believable...." Read more

"...But you drew me in and I saw so much truth, reality. The morals are clear. We are all broken, wounded, scarred...." Read more

"An utter page turner. Kate uses her remarkable talent to unlock a tangle of secrets of two women...." Read more

60 customers mention "Insight"48 positive12 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights into family dynamics, friendships, and parenting decisions, with one customer noting how it transports readers into the two family dynamics, while another mentions how it relates to life experiences.

"...Kate has a keen eye for the subtle thoughts, emotions and actions that make us who we are and the motivations behind those actions...." Read more

"...A novel about family, friends, self preservation and self seeking...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this form of storytelling because it gave me a wife view of what’s going on from all angles and I felt like I was really there...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book and they way it explored relationships between husband and wife, mother and children and friends...." Read more

11 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the book impossible to put down.

"...I loved every minute of it and could not put it down...." Read more

"The story sucks you in and is impossible to put down...." Read more

"...a good story, bit after reading where the crawdads sing.nits hard to get into this." Read more

"...I found this book to be hard to put down and more entertaining, engrossing than any TV and when I was busy with chores it actually gave me..." Read more

274 customers mention "Pacing"147 positive127 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it compelling with many twists and turns that keep them interested through the end, while others mention it lacks page-turning interest.

"...A fascinating novel that is both complex and simple in its storyline...." Read more

"...But it was just not really believable. Still, I did read the whole thing because it pulled me in enough to see how it ended." Read more

"...spoilers*****I think this book was well written and a story that wasn’t far-fetched at all- it could have happened in real life- which are the kinds..." Read more

"This book was a rollercoaster. It had a long build up, then you were anxious wondering what was next...." Read more

202 customers mention "Emotional content"109 positive93 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some appreciating how it pulls at their heart and describes emotions well, while others find it too depressing and heartbreaking.

"...This was a wonderful story. I have a number of Ms. Hewitt's novels in my TBR pile, and I plan on reading another of her novels next...." Read more

"Spoiler. This book was disturbing, given the fact that both women are mentally ill...." Read more

"...the dangers of that, how it affects everyone not just you and is heartbreaking, I loved and hated the ending but so ready to read the next one!" Read more

"...I get it, life isn’t always good and happy but this book was down right icky feeling through and through. It’s a boring kind of depressing story...." Read more

100 customers mention "Character development"65 positive35 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some praising the well-developed and layered characters, while others find them laughable and difficult to follow.

"...The author has written her characters so that they truly fit the novel and the role they each play. It was realistic and relatable...." Read more

"For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. I liked both of the main characters, Tessa and Rebecca - both interesting in their different ways,..." Read more

"...I also felt that the characters weren’t well developed. The story is told from the perspective of two different women...." Read more

"...It had many sad parts but the characters were so human and vulnerable that it was easy to relate to their experiences...." Read more

17 customers mention "Realism"11 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the realism of the book, with some finding it breathtakingly beautiful and realistic, while others describe it as empty of realism.

"...It was realistic and relatable. Engaging and enthralling...." Read more

"This book was just okay. While is it a quick read, it was nothing special, and you don’t walk away with that feeling of ‘this was the best book!’..." Read more

"...Ms. Hewitt's writing was wonderful and beautiful. The characters, including the children come alive under the author's pen...." Read more

"...One is big and beautiful, the other is small and shabby. The kids are disappointed when they realize theirs is the small and shabby one...." Read more

Pages falling out....
1 out of 5 stars
Pages falling out....
The book is good but not long after I started reading it the pages started falling out. It hard to read a book when the pages are falling out.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • cheryl
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's No Secret - Parenting Isn't Easy
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It is no secret that being a parent is probably the most rewarding job and the most challenging job a person will ever have. We may find amazing joy as well as unspeakable heartbreak as we nurture our children and keep ourselves grounded in relationships with spouses and other family members. In “The Secrets We Keep,” by Kate Hewitt, we are pulled into the story of two families who happen to meet on summer vacation at a lakefront resort. Both families are women with their children trying to get away from everything at home and find themselves and peace of mind. Tessa and Rebecca appear to be totally opposites: Rebecca living a wealthy life and staying in a luxurious beachfront house; and, Tessa just making it and staying in a cabin next door further from the lake. But they discover they are more alike than what appears. They both face the same challenges with communicating with husbands and raising children while defining their own roles and responsibilities.
    This is a beautifully written story that transports the reader into the two family dynamics as they bond over the summer. Kate has a keen eye for the subtle thoughts, emotions and actions that make us who we are and the motivations behind those actions. Envy, jealousy, compassion and kindness are all shared by both mothers. It was a delight to read. I laughed at the silly things the parents did like skinny dipping in the lake while the children were asleep. I marveled at the bond of friendship that developed between Tessa and Rebecca in one short summer. I cried for their trauma and loss and their final separation.
    In her own words, Kate tells us what she hopes we get from this book. “I wanted to write a story about forgiveness and grace, because as parents we are trying our hardest to do right by our beloved children, and sometimes – even often, we make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes have consequences, even terrible ones, but I do believe there is still grace and hope to be found, and ultimately that is what “The Secrets We Keep” is about.”
    This story is all about grace and hope under extreme pressure and perseverance. Rebecca and Tessa show us that as parents, when we do our best for ourselves and our children; we can give the gift of promises kept and peace of mind.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • (ajk) avid reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    “The Secrets We Keep” by Kate Hewitt

    We all have secrets. Some we hold that others have shared with us. Some we hold within ourselves because they are personal. And some are there that we are unaware of until something happens and it comes to the surface. Some are so damning one doesn’t know if they are real or not or why they have suddenly arisen or why they are suddenly taking over your life without your control. When do secrets become memories? Or are they always a form of a memory? Thus some memories are secrets?

    Rebecca has secrets. But one is a memory she wished would have stayed locked away instead of consuming her. It has been eating her up from the inside out more and more everyday.

    Tessa has secrets. Some she are aware of some she will come to find she has hidden and locked them away. Someone else holds the key.

    Rebecca and Tessa have chosen to spend the summer in Upstate NY. Their cabins are as complete opposites, as are their personalities, their backgrounds, and their children. Yet, they strike up a friendship, of sorts, that benefits each of them in very different ways.

    When an incident occurs affecting Rebecca, Trisha is there to help. Yet, when status quo is to reign again, can it really happen? Or does one incident affect not just the other friend but all the family members? Short term and long term? Are there still secrets and questions and insecurities that still exist or complicate things as versus helping? What happens if they are revealed?

    Two women away for the summer to try and get their lives, their selves, and their families back on track, find that achieving that goal will take a lot more work and revelations than they were ever prepared for and the outcomes of those goals weren’t what they hoped to achieve or in the manner that they would have ever chosen.

    A novel about family, friends, self preservation and self seeking. About the tangled web we weave when we hold back certain things and when when we let them go. When is it beneficial and when is it harmful? And where do the lines of friendship, family and forgiveness get drawn?

    A fascinating novel that is both complex and simple in its storyline. The author has written her characters so that they truly fit the novel and the role they each play. It was realistic and relatable. Engaging and enthralling. The reader will root for the characters and question them and their choices and become so involved in the novel, you may be surprised where it ends.

    Rating: 4.3
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    18 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Camille
    5.0 out of 5 stars AN EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I don't know what to say about this novel without offering up spoilers. Other than to say it was one of the best novels I've read in the "women's fiction" category.
    I didn't like Rebecca at first. I thought she was a typical "rich b***h". She was such a narcissistic snob. She thought she was such a well put together woman with her expensive clothes, high end cosmetics & her country club airs. She thought she was being so well-intentioned when she befriended Tessa, like she was doing Tessa a favor when she befriended her.
    Tessa was a "poor me" woman. She was feeling sorry for herself, feeling guilty for everything she did. She spent her time apologizing for being alive, as if she was in the way. She wasn't a bad person; she was really a nice person, too nice. She felt that everything she did was wrong, and she was forever apologizing.
    Both women become friends, and their worlds change dramatically.
    Ms. Hewitt's writing was wonderful and beautiful. The characters, including the children come alive under the author's pen. I felt like her characters were real people living real lives.
    By the end of the story, both woman are transformed by the other. Their lives are permanently changed, their personas changed by life and circumstances. Good things and horrible things occur.
    This was a wonderful story. I have a number of Ms. Hewitt's novels in my TBR pile, and I plan on reading another of her novels next. What a terrific writer Kate Hewitt is!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • book lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping read!
    Reviewed in India on November 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Engaging plot! A bit hard to relate but the interest to know the rest of the story never dwindles!
    Report
  • MARIE GIUNTA
    4.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking
    Reviewed in Australia on December 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This story started slow for me but after the first few chapters I was hooked. The writing is sensitive and the story is sad. There are moments of joy but mostly it is about the loneliness of motherhood and mental illness. Be prepared for tears.
    Report
  • chicadee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and great characters
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I've never read an 'emotional' book before but really enjoyed this one from the first page. I found it interesting, pacey and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the exploration of the senses and sensitivities, through the emotional turmoil, of the two main characters, both women. I liked the style as it was quite an uncomplicated linear read and the plot had a couple of twists at the end. It was the small nuances and details that kept adding to the deep characters that I really enjoyed. It was refreshing not to have a traditional happy ever after ending. I recommend trying this if you like character driven tales. I'm going to buy another Kate Hewitt book now.
    Report
  • Bertha O'Leary
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bertha
    Reviewed in Canada on January 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. The children making freinds . Mother’s struggles and problems.
    Very touching. Very troubling an sympathetic for both mothers.
    Report
  • Laraine
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    4 stars. This was a first book for me of Hewitt's and I enjoyed the read. The front cover of the book has the blurb : how do you keep your children safe when you can't even protect yourself?" The book tells the story of two women from totally different backgrounds who meet while they are renting cottages on the same lake. Each of them is there with their children and the husbands have stayed behind in New York City. Tessa rents an old and somewhat small cottage, the best that she can afford. She is there to spend time with her two children and hopefully help heal from the blow that her mother's death has dealt her. Rebecca is renting a large and opulent home with her three children and she is fleeing a bad time in her life with a lot of excess drinking and some embarassing situations. She also has a secret that is haunting her. The two families meet and become summer friends with Rebecca taking Tessa under her wings, setting her up with an expensive club membership so their kids can hang out together and even giving her a makeover to help with Tessa's lack of self confidence. They all become closer over the summer until one explosive situation happens that changes everything for everyone. This is a very interesting read and Hewitt did a good job of telling the story of each woman and the choices they make. A good read.
    Report

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