The Secrets She Carried by Barbara Davis

Families can be an interesting dynamic. What you hear and assume while growing up can be so different from the actual truth. Sometimes that perception you have can be altered once you learn the truth. That happened in my own family and I am sure that you may have some deep secrets in you own family too. Here is a book I reviewed that tells a story of secrets that were untold for multiple decades but changed the path of those that discovered them.

THE SECRETS SHE CARRIED by Barbara Davis
NAL Trade Paperback Original
October 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-41877-7

Synopsis: When a young woman returns to North Carolina after a thirty-year absence, she finds that the once grand tobacco plantation she called home holds more secrets than she ever imagined.

Though Peak Plantation has been in her family for generations, Leslie Nichols can’t wait to rid herself of the farm left to her by her estranged grandmother Maggie—and with it the disturbing memories of her mother’s death, her father’s disgrace, and her unhappy childhood. But Leslie isn’t the only one with a claim to Peak.

Jay Davenport, Peak’s reclusive caretaker, has his own reasons for holding onto the land bequeathed to him by Leslie’s grandmother. Before she died, Maggie hinted at a terrible secret surrounding Adele Laveau, a lady’s maid who came to Peak during the 1930s and died under mysterious circumstances. Jay is haunted by Maggie’s story, yet the truth eludes him—until Leslie uncovers a cryptically marked grave on the property.

As they delve into the mystery of Adele’s death, Leslie and Jay discover shocking secrets that extend deep into the roots of Leslie’s family tree—secrets that have the power to alter her life forever.

My Thoughts: This book contains a story that is told from 3 different perspectives. Adele, the ladies maid that started working at the plantation in the 1930’s; Leslie, the granddaughter of the plantation owner, Maggie and Jay, a friend and confidante of Maggie. The story is a wonderful tale of family history, romance and drama that surrounds the plantation known as Peak.

The author weaves a beautifully crafted historic tale of a family that spans many decades. Reading the story from different perspectives is an interesting way to read the truth of what happened in the past and then read how the truth is discovered in present day by the heiress of the plantation, Leslie. The book tells a love story from the past and then you follow along as Leslie and Jay find their feelings grow. So you actually experience watching two romances bloom along with the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I loved the authors perspective of the storyline and while some of the story is expected, there are many unexpected twists that keeps you reading this late into the night. This is a great book for a first novel from the author and leaves me wanting to read more from her in the future. Anyone that loves contemporary fiction, historical fiction and a touch of romance too will enjoy this book. It crosses many genres and it is one I recommend with pleasure!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Affiliate Links may be included in this publication.