How To Keep A Secret by Sarah Morgan #Review @SarahMorgan_

How To Keep A Secret by Sarah Morgan

Published 14th June 2018 by HQ

384 pages

Book Description:

This summer one family will discover that together, they can do anything.

Matriarch Nancy knows she hasn't been the best mother but how can she ever tell her daughters the reason why? Lauren and Jenna are as close as two sisters can be and they made a pact years ago to keep a devastating secret from their mother – but is it time to come clean? Lauren's teenage daughter Mackenzie masks her own pain by keeping her mother at a distance. Her mother, aunt and grandmother keep trying to reach her but will it take a stranger to show her the true meaning of family?

When life changes in an instant, the Stewart women are thrown together for a summer and suddenly they must relearn how to be a family. And whilst unravelling their secrets might be their biggest challenge, it could also be their finest moment . . .

My review:

Lauren and Mackenzie are going through that stage where Lauren knows she needs to let Mack grow into the young independent woman she wants her to be, but is struggling to let go of the apron strings which inevitably leads to the clashes that all mother - daughter relationships go through during the teenage years.
Meanwhile Lauren's sister Jenna is struggling to achieve her lifetime dream of having a family of her own.  Getting pregnant with husband Gregg just won't happen despite using every old wive's tale and piece of scientific advice to try and get that blue line to appear on the pregnancy test kit.
Lauren and Jenna had a strained relationship with their own mum during their childhood, and were much closer to their dad. Neither of them feel they can approach her for advice.
Then tragedy strikes for Lauren and Mackenzie; they find themselves having to uproot their whole lives and move back to Lauren's childhood home in order to keep their heads above water.
This is the point in the story where so many secrets come to the fore from all directions - everyone seems to have been holding something back from the others.  It's a great tale where they all have to rethink all they have ever known, and in doing so they all come through for each other and they end up with a much stronger bond than they ever thought possible.
There are some jaw dropping moments which are all totally credible and scenarios which will have you wondering what you would have done in that situation -  and the ultimate lesson in not judging people when you don't know the full facts. This story is the proof that no matter how hard it can be, we really should communicate with those we love because at the end of the day blood is thicker than water and those who care the most will always be there for you.

I loved this book from start to finish, and would definitely recommend it as a top summer read this year.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes commercial women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe.

Described as 'a magician with words' by RT Book Reviews, she has been nominated four years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice; in 2012 for her book 'Doukakis's Apprentice' and 2013 for 'A Night of No Return'. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.Sarah lives near London with her husband and children, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors. 

You can visit Sarah online at www.sarahmorgan.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan and on Twitter @SarahMorgan_