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Where Secrets Lie
Where Secrets Lie is a riveting exploration of one family's reliance on secrets, how those secrets affect their relationships and alter the directions their lives take, and where those secrets all began.
Sara and Katie's mother, Lee, spends her life deploying secrets in order to protect her loved ones not only from difficult truths, but also from the prejudices they elicit. In spite of the torment her own secret laden past causes her, Lee raises her daughters to repress inconvenient truths.
As a result, both sisters' relationships with their significant others are in jeopardy. Sara chooses an unorthodox way to reconcile her own unresolved guilt concerning a pregnancy her husband knows nothing about, and Katie cannot muster up enough courage to defy their mother's behavioral boundaries. That is, at least, not openly.
Set in Colorado, Where Secrets Lie shifts between the unique foothills community of Boulder, the mile high city of Denver, and the majestic Rocky Mountains as it moves from the sisters' stories to their mother's story weaving them all together and merging each woman's past with her present circumstances.
Sara and Katie's mother, Lee, spends her life deploying secrets in order to protect her loved ones not only from difficult truths, but also from the prejudices they elicit. In spite of the torment her own secret laden past causes her, Lee raises her daughters to repress inconvenient truths.
As a result, both sisters' relationships with their significant others are in jeopardy. Sara chooses an unorthodox way to reconcile her own unresolved guilt concerning a pregnancy her husband knows nothing about, and Katie cannot muster up enough courage to defy their mother's behavioral boundaries. That is, at least, not openly.
Set in Colorado, Where Secrets Lie shifts between the unique foothills community of Boulder, the mile high city of Denver, and the majestic Rocky Mountains as it moves from the sisters' stories to their mother's story weaving them all together and merging each woman's past with her present circumstances.
- GenresFiction
222 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2011
6 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Donna Marie Lanheady
4 books62 followersNovels captivated me at a very young age. All those years and all those books inspired me to become a writer. The journeys the stories took me on and their ability to make something imaginary seem real enthralled me.
Secrets are a common theme in my novels because they intrigue me! Not necessarily the secrets themselves but their dynamics, the reasoning behind them, and the havoc they inevitably cause in peoples lives.
People often ask if my writing is autobiographical. My answer is an emphatic NO! I am much too private to write anything that's true. That being said, I do abide by the rule to write what you know, so there are bits and pieces of me strewn throughout my novels without any of it actually being about me.
For instance, although I live on the east coast now, I was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of my adult life, which is why I chose Colorado as the setting for my novels.
On the emotional side, I often tap into my own emotions to help me relate to what the character is feeling. Although my characters don't feel the exact same way, at its core the emotion is similar enough to help me imagine their feelings and in that way, bring them to life.
I love to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on my novels. It fascinates me how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell me what they think they can email me: [email protected]
Secrets are a common theme in my novels because they intrigue me! Not necessarily the secrets themselves but their dynamics, the reasoning behind them, and the havoc they inevitably cause in peoples lives.
People often ask if my writing is autobiographical. My answer is an emphatic NO! I am much too private to write anything that's true. That being said, I do abide by the rule to write what you know, so there are bits and pieces of me strewn throughout my novels without any of it actually being about me.
For instance, although I live on the east coast now, I was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of my adult life, which is why I chose Colorado as the setting for my novels.
On the emotional side, I often tap into my own emotions to help me relate to what the character is feeling. Although my characters don't feel the exact same way, at its core the emotion is similar enough to help me imagine their feelings and in that way, bring them to life.
I love to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on my novels. It fascinates me how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell me what they think they can email me: [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 14, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads
Where Secrets Lie is a short but powerful novel that explores the fragile web of lies that families have tucked away, in order to retain a sense of normalcy. In this book we are introduced to three females- the mother and her two daughters- and each of the secrets that they keep. Lee, the mother, is the ringleader and champion secret keeper, who only wants what is best for her family. Sara, the eldest daughter, has been sabotaging her and her husband's attempts to have a baby, but the reason why is something that she keeps to herself, and that eats away at her. And then there's the youngest daughter, Katie, who wears a mask every day of her life. Her mother has no idea that Katie's roommate, Emily, is in fact her girlfriend, and they are happily in love.
This story spans over one day of events, but is largely written in flashbacks/memories. I found the transition between the past and present easy to follow, and I appreciated that the chapters were divided up between the characters, instead of randomly switching off. In addition, the setting of Colorado is described beautifully, it made me want to pay a visit.
I positively adored this book. Admittedly, my adoration has to do with a strong personal attachments to one of the characters, Katie. I was moved by this story, and I wanted to read it again almost immediately after finishing it. I feel that everyone can take something away from this novel.
I give it five emotional stars, and eagerly await the next step in their family's saga.
Where Secrets Lie is a short but powerful novel that explores the fragile web of lies that families have tucked away, in order to retain a sense of normalcy. In this book we are introduced to three females- the mother and her two daughters- and each of the secrets that they keep. Lee, the mother, is the ringleader and champion secret keeper, who only wants what is best for her family. Sara, the eldest daughter, has been sabotaging her and her husband's attempts to have a baby, but the reason why is something that she keeps to herself, and that eats away at her. And then there's the youngest daughter, Katie, who wears a mask every day of her life. Her mother has no idea that Katie's roommate, Emily, is in fact her girlfriend, and they are happily in love.
This story spans over one day of events, but is largely written in flashbacks/memories. I found the transition between the past and present easy to follow, and I appreciated that the chapters were divided up between the characters, instead of randomly switching off. In addition, the setting of Colorado is described beautifully, it made me want to pay a visit.
I positively adored this book. Admittedly, my adoration has to do with a strong personal attachments to one of the characters, Katie. I was moved by this story, and I wanted to read it again almost immediately after finishing it. I feel that everyone can take something away from this novel.
I give it five emotional stars, and eagerly await the next step in their family's saga.
October 15, 2019
This was one of those stories that was part in the present and part in the past. I have no problem with that. My problem with this was that majority was in the past and they didn’t resolve at least one of the story lines in the present. It was good, but sadly dissatisfying.
November 18, 2011
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...
Where Secrets Lie is the story of a family, the secrets they keep from each other, and the effects those secrets have on their relationships. There is Lee, who hides the reality of her feelings from her husband and her daughters. There is Sara, who keeps a part of her past from her husband to the point of lying to him. There is Katie, who hides a part of who she is from her mother for fear of losing her.
Many secrets stem from fear, especially the fear of losing those they love. The authors draws a gripping picture of the family, the relationships, and the secrets. The book delves into the stress and sadness of keeping those secrets. The individuals suffer as do their relationships with each other. Through the book to its end, the story describes the freedom that comes when they decide to trust and reveal their true selves and their emotions to those they love.
The quote above summarizes the book. The characters choose to reveal the secrets when their fear of what would happen if they don't outweighs the fear of what would happen if they do. When their trust in their relationships outweighs their fear of loss.
Real characters, a very real situation presented in a very real, readable book.
***Reviewed for LibraryThing Member Giveaway Program***
Where Secrets Lie is the story of a family, the secrets they keep from each other, and the effects those secrets have on their relationships. There is Lee, who hides the reality of her feelings from her husband and her daughters. There is Sara, who keeps a part of her past from her husband to the point of lying to him. There is Katie, who hides a part of who she is from her mother for fear of losing her.
Many secrets stem from fear, especially the fear of losing those they love. The authors draws a gripping picture of the family, the relationships, and the secrets. The book delves into the stress and sadness of keeping those secrets. The individuals suffer as do their relationships with each other. Through the book to its end, the story describes the freedom that comes when they decide to trust and reveal their true selves and their emotions to those they love.
The quote above summarizes the book. The characters choose to reveal the secrets when their fear of what would happen if they don't outweighs the fear of what would happen if they do. When their trust in their relationships outweighs their fear of loss.
Real characters, a very real situation presented in a very real, readable book.
***Reviewed for LibraryThing Member Giveaway Program***
March 3, 2012
Where Secrets Lie compelled me because the whole idea that this book was centered around secrets was interesting. Secrets are a great topic I wish I understood more of. Why do people keep secrets? What distinguishes one secret from being kept to another one being revealed? What is the reasoning behind someone lying? What is their story/ background? This book is the very answer I've been waiting for. It shows a new approach to a family full of kept secrets and where these secrets were naturally derived from.
Lanheady's amazing writing throws you into the journey Katie, Lee, Sara, and even Paul experiences to keep or tell their secrets and captivates your mind with wonder and the diligence to continue reading. Actually, the word diligence is an understatement. Obsession is more the word. :)
Where Secrets Lie has flow, character development, a strong plot, interest, and the most perfect word choices. You should know from my previous reviews that I like to mention my particularly favorite words used in the story, since I have such a huge word fetish. You use a big word under the right context, and it's a major Yay for me. But, repeated big words irk me and I'd normally point those out. Fortunately, there weren't any in this book. :) So, here were my favorite words Lanheady used:
Extricated, accouterments, attrition, dichotomy, puerile, ambivalent, visage, cogent, timbre, lackadaisical, peruse, adamant, drudgery, assuaged, cloistered, privy, culpability, reticence, harrowing, accolades, stigma, languorous, derisive, malleable, impetuous, convivial, vacillate, fervency, exacerbated, and divulge.
So, yeah. I'm happy. :)
This book satisfied my cravings for a good read and the professional writing really impressed me. I found no mistakes or holes with it at all. The story unfolded just perfectly, that I finished the book feeling grateful to have read it. Casting aside my opinions for some of the choices the characters made, I was left refreshed and content. A well written book never really delights me more than the plot, but this book was different. Where Secrets Lie is a great example of a well executed novel. =]
Lanheady's amazing writing throws you into the journey Katie, Lee, Sara, and even Paul experiences to keep or tell their secrets and captivates your mind with wonder and the diligence to continue reading. Actually, the word diligence is an understatement. Obsession is more the word. :)
Where Secrets Lie has flow, character development, a strong plot, interest, and the most perfect word choices. You should know from my previous reviews that I like to mention my particularly favorite words used in the story, since I have such a huge word fetish. You use a big word under the right context, and it's a major Yay for me. But, repeated big words irk me and I'd normally point those out. Fortunately, there weren't any in this book. :) So, here were my favorite words Lanheady used:
Extricated, accouterments, attrition, dichotomy, puerile, ambivalent, visage, cogent, timbre, lackadaisical, peruse, adamant, drudgery, assuaged, cloistered, privy, culpability, reticence, harrowing, accolades, stigma, languorous, derisive, malleable, impetuous, convivial, vacillate, fervency, exacerbated, and divulge.
So, yeah. I'm happy. :)
This book satisfied my cravings for a good read and the professional writing really impressed me. I found no mistakes or holes with it at all. The story unfolded just perfectly, that I finished the book feeling grateful to have read it. Casting aside my opinions for some of the choices the characters made, I was left refreshed and content. A well written book never really delights me more than the plot, but this book was different. Where Secrets Lie is a great example of a well executed novel. =]
January 19, 2012
This book was a 3.5 star effort for me. I enjoyed this book.
In this book we were introduced to mother and two daughters in their present life. Lee and her two daughters, Sara and Katie, was preparing for was Lee’s 20th wedding anniversary to her second husband.
All three are nursing secrets that have impacted their lives and they are all at a cross-road romantically. The author gave us a glance into the past, in order to understand how each woman arrived to their present predicament.
The mother, Lee, was kind of a controlling mother. But I believe that she wanted to protect her daughters, Sara and Katie, and she did the best she could. But she taught them early on about secrecy and protecting the family façade. Each daughter internalized this lesson and perpetuated it in their lives. Sara is hiding a secret from her husband, which is affecting her desire to start a family with him. Katie doesn’t feel that her mother will approve of her long time love, so she kept the relationship secret from her mother. Lee is still coming to grips with her relationship with her first husband, the father of Sara and Katie. So she doesn’t share her issues with anyone.
I really like how this title was reflective of the story. It was a reminder that no matter how hard you try to bury secrets, they have a way of bubbling up and forcing you to deal with the suppressed matter.
I needed closure unless I'm reading a series, and so I'm not that pleased. The title was well chosen because it really reflected the plight of the characters. I look forward to finding out what happened when their past finally catches up with each woman.
In this book we were introduced to mother and two daughters in their present life. Lee and her two daughters, Sara and Katie, was preparing for was Lee’s 20th wedding anniversary to her second husband.
All three are nursing secrets that have impacted their lives and they are all at a cross-road romantically. The author gave us a glance into the past, in order to understand how each woman arrived to their present predicament.
The mother, Lee, was kind of a controlling mother. But I believe that she wanted to protect her daughters, Sara and Katie, and she did the best she could. But she taught them early on about secrecy and protecting the family façade. Each daughter internalized this lesson and perpetuated it in their lives. Sara is hiding a secret from her husband, which is affecting her desire to start a family with him. Katie doesn’t feel that her mother will approve of her long time love, so she kept the relationship secret from her mother. Lee is still coming to grips with her relationship with her first husband, the father of Sara and Katie. So she doesn’t share her issues with anyone.
I really like how this title was reflective of the story. It was a reminder that no matter how hard you try to bury secrets, they have a way of bubbling up and forcing you to deal with the suppressed matter.
I needed closure unless I'm reading a series, and so I'm not that pleased. The title was well chosen because it really reflected the plight of the characters. I look forward to finding out what happened when their past finally catches up with each woman.
April 22, 2012
Take any one person off the street and turn their life into a short story about the relationship they have with their family and something like Where Secrets Lie would probably come out. It is a very real story about the very real situation of having to make the choice to reveal or keep hidden a part of yourself that could have been shared with those who are closest to you, but for one reason or another has become the most difficult thing to even think of mentioning.
The story moves back and forth through time and going from section to section reveals just a little bit more about a character, why they do what they do now and what it has to do with their past. In some ways, it leads a reader to wonder by the end what it is that we worry about so much. Why is it that the secret must be kept? For the sake of family? For the sake of ourselves? In the end we either die with those secrets or we reveal them, but the true nature of secrets isn't whether or not we tell them, it's what we get out of life from doing so.
A short read, but very engaging. The end doesn't exactly leave the reader hanging, but is not as complete as one would expect. I found that it had the effect of forcing me to think on my own situations in life instead of concentrating on the paths of the characters once the book was finished.
Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it. I also give bonus points for Text To Speech enabling on Kindle format.... but that also wasn't a factor in the above review.
The story moves back and forth through time and going from section to section reveals just a little bit more about a character, why they do what they do now and what it has to do with their past. In some ways, it leads a reader to wonder by the end what it is that we worry about so much. Why is it that the secret must be kept? For the sake of family? For the sake of ourselves? In the end we either die with those secrets or we reveal them, but the true nature of secrets isn't whether or not we tell them, it's what we get out of life from doing so.
A short read, but very engaging. The end doesn't exactly leave the reader hanging, but is not as complete as one would expect. I found that it had the effect of forcing me to think on my own situations in life instead of concentrating on the paths of the characters once the book was finished.
Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it. I also give bonus points for Text To Speech enabling on Kindle format.... but that also wasn't a factor in the above review.
April 6, 2012
I received this as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway novel.
Where Secrets Lie is a fiction novel by Donna Marie Lanheady about one family and the secrets that intertwine them together. The novel takes place over one day and each character has their own section or there is a break to bring them in, so it is never confusing, even when it also switches from past to present.
In this short, but thought provoking and powerful novel, we are introduced to three females. The mother Lee, and her two daughters Sara and Katie. The mother is focused on doing what is best for her children, but she is probably the champion of secrets. Sara, the eldest daughter has been keeping a dark secret of her youth from her husband and this comes to the light early in the novel and she is left to deal with the repercussions of that hidden. Then there is Katie, the youngest, who has been keeping her sexual identity from her mother, going so far to pretend otherwise and ignore it.
I think everyone can take something away from this book. It leaves plenty of thought paths open and it makes you question the way we live our lives.
There were of course some loose ends, but that's to be expected. There are only so many hours in a day ;)
Where Secrets Lie is a fiction novel by Donna Marie Lanheady about one family and the secrets that intertwine them together. The novel takes place over one day and each character has their own section or there is a break to bring them in, so it is never confusing, even when it also switches from past to present.
In this short, but thought provoking and powerful novel, we are introduced to three females. The mother Lee, and her two daughters Sara and Katie. The mother is focused on doing what is best for her children, but she is probably the champion of secrets. Sara, the eldest daughter has been keeping a dark secret of her youth from her husband and this comes to the light early in the novel and she is left to deal with the repercussions of that hidden. Then there is Katie, the youngest, who has been keeping her sexual identity from her mother, going so far to pretend otherwise and ignore it.
I think everyone can take something away from this book. It leaves plenty of thought paths open and it makes you question the way we live our lives.
There were of course some loose ends, but that's to be expected. There are only so many hours in a day ;)
May 12, 2012
I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for reading and reviewing it.
Donna Lanheady’s Where Secrets Lie has a title very indicative of the subject of the story – while the secrets may lie hidden, that doesn’t mean they’re going to stay buried.
The story centers on Lee and her two adult daughters, Sara and Katie, all of whom are keeping certain secrets from at least one of the others. Over time, the tension and guilt begin to affect all of them, particularly the girls, whose significant others are not happy with the secrets either.
Lanheady’s technique of switching between Lee’s, Sara’s and Katie’s perspectives to develop the story worked both for and against the book. On the positive side, it was easy to get a solid feel for each person’s story and become absorbed in it. On the other hand, however, when the story switched to another person, it almost seemed disconnected from what went before.
Additionally, the resolution at the end, while satisfying, was somewhat rushed, leaving me surprised that the book had ended already. This book is a sort of prequel to the author’s forthcoming novel, so maybe there will be more detail there. I’d probably give it a try.
Donna Lanheady’s Where Secrets Lie has a title very indicative of the subject of the story – while the secrets may lie hidden, that doesn’t mean they’re going to stay buried.
The story centers on Lee and her two adult daughters, Sara and Katie, all of whom are keeping certain secrets from at least one of the others. Over time, the tension and guilt begin to affect all of them, particularly the girls, whose significant others are not happy with the secrets either.
Lanheady’s technique of switching between Lee’s, Sara’s and Katie’s perspectives to develop the story worked both for and against the book. On the positive side, it was easy to get a solid feel for each person’s story and become absorbed in it. On the other hand, however, when the story switched to another person, it almost seemed disconnected from what went before.
Additionally, the resolution at the end, while satisfying, was somewhat rushed, leaving me surprised that the book had ended already. This book is a sort of prequel to the author’s forthcoming novel, so maybe there will be more detail there. I’d probably give it a try.
August 9, 2012
`Where Secrets Lie` tells the story of three women, two sisters and their mother, delving into key incidents from their past, crossing points which have defined their relationships with one another. Within the context of a loving and supportive family life, Donna Marie Lanheady explores the silences and secrecy, the inhibitions, the shadowy areas where communication is suppressed - and the way this affects their ability to relate to others, their partners.
The way the novel is structured, focusing on each character`s past separately, and then interweaving them in the present, is very effectively done, and the prose style is direct, uncluttered and incisive in its presentation of incident and psychological analysis.
The ending of the book is a little abrupt, but I think this is largely to be explained by the writer`s intention of continuing the characters and their unfolding story into another volume.
This is a book I would recommend as thoughtful, intelligent and relevant.
April 24, 2012
This book is about a family and the secrets that they keep from each other. Sara’s marriage is in trouble because she is secretly taking her birth control pills even though her husband thinks that they are trying to get pregnant. Sara is hiding the secret of a pregnancy that her husband doesn’t know about even though her mother does know about it. Sara’s sister Katie is hiding the fact that her roommate is her girlfriend and that she is gay. Katie feels that her mother wouldn’t accept her if she found out the truth about her sexual identity. Katie doesn’t know that her late father also held a similar secret of his own. Their mother Lee has also hid a secrets from her daughters about their step father Jack that she has never revealed to anyone and even one about her late husband that no one knows about. This is a good book about family secrets and how living a life of secrecy can affect your loved ones around you.
September 10, 2012
"Where Secrets Lie" was an interesting story about family and the secrets family members keep from each other. The plot is realistic and the characters well-fleshed out. I enjoyed the book enough to not want to put it down in order to find out how each character resolved their issue. Although it is a good book, I felt that it was missing a complete ending. But even so, it is well worth your time to read this book. I look forward to reading more work by Donna Marie Lanheady.
August 5, 2016
We learn all about a Lee and her two daughters Sara and Katie and the secrets they keep in the hopes of keeping life simple and easy. The characters are well written and very likable as they struggle with the fears that the kept secrets will be found out and why they need to come out so that they can live happily in their lives. This was a very enjoyable story and the stiuations the characters found themselvs in was believable and rmade you empathize with them.
February 10, 2012
This was a great book in my opinion. I didn't want it to end. The ending kept you hanging so I hope there is a second book to this. I have never read anything by this author but I will definetely be looking for more of her books. It was a little confusing in the beginning because she kept going from the present to the past in each chapter as she explained the lives of the characters but once I figured that out it was a great read.
January 11, 2017
I've actually enjoyed the book overall, but hey, what is this ending!!
It felt like I was suddenly cut off that I couldn't understand what was going on. And there came the title "The End" and that was it.
I do understand the author's intention of this book, but there should be a better ending than this, something like an epilogue, so the reader can feel it's going to end.
If the ending was better, I could have given more stars for the story itself.
It felt like I was suddenly cut off that I couldn't understand what was going on. And there came the title "The End" and that was it.
I do understand the author's intention of this book, but there should be a better ending than this, something like an epilogue, so the reader can feel it's going to end.
If the ending was better, I could have given more stars for the story itself.
February 21, 2012
I enjoyed this book! I loved the switch from present to the past! When this mother of two was having her wedding vow renewal, questions started to pop up bewteen lee and her three girls. Lee was trying to keep her family together when a horrible acceident happened. Her questions got answered as her daughters where trying to find thier own in way in their mothers life.
December 19, 2014
The book starts as a good story and then bang the story ends . There was no resolution to any of the plots in the book. It literally seemed as if only the introduction of the book was written. I don't think I have every had this happen before. There is usually an ending, sometimes not very good, but it there, but in this book there is no ending; just a beginning.
February 4, 2012
Every family has secrets...this book explores this family and the reasons for some are good however it shows the possible outcome of these. Very interesting and written to hold interest. I would recommend it.
January 16, 2012
A different style, but fair easy to read. Psychological interplay of characters. The dynamics
of relationships written as a novel. Worth a read.
of relationships written as a novel. Worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews