The Secret Within

Rating:
Summary: A hard-hitting, realistic story
Review: Carly Chambers may be a shy, abused child at home - part of a family constantly moving to avoid trouble - but on the boardwalk she has her unusual friends who watch out for her and worry about her. She loves the beach and their new Oceanside coastal home, until her father's activities and the interest of a stranger threatens her new life. In The Secret Within, Theresa Golding has created a hard-hitting, realistic story of a child involved in a destructive pattern of family abuse and illegal activity - and how she survives by building healthier relationships outside the home.

Rating:
Summary: The Secret Within Book Review
Review: Have you ever kept a dark secret your whole life, you wish you could tell someone, but could ruin your life if you did? That's exactly how Carly Chambers had been living her life all of her childhood in the book, "The Secret Within." And, living became even worse when she moved to Oceanside, New Jersey.
Everyday Carly would run mysterious packages full of "candy" from their family shop, all over town to many clients. She was always up against the little timer that sat on the kitchen table, making sure she wouldn't receive the consequences she would get from her father if late. With no time left for fun, Carly would sneak out of her room every night to be at the beach and boardwalk. She would visit Eddie at his paper stand and often help him out. If she were lucky, she wouldn't run into Frankie Marzano, the bully or Aileen, the chatterbox. She also usually visited Margo (when getting Eddie some food) who ran Margo's Pizza. Margo was very sweet and friendly, and always got around her busy crowd to say hello. But, Carly's reasons for going to Margo's wasn't always just to get Eddie something to eat. It was also to see if Margo's cute son Nick was there. Carly often became shy around him until they started hanging out, and eventually became best friends. As much as Carly wants to tell Nick her secret, she knows she can't for it could ruin her life. But, when Nick gets suspicious about the tall scary man following and questioning Carly about her childhood, parents and odd package delivering he really starts to wonder about Carly's "off boardwalk" life. Can Carly find it in her heart to do the right thing and admit her secret?
I deffiniteley recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good realistic mystery, and a little suspense. Even though it was a change of pace, the plot often left me on the edge of my seat. The topic discussed is great for young teens like myself, and it gives you a reality check of what can really go on within your community today. There wasn't really anything about this story that I disliked. Therefore, I encourage all kids to take a look at this unbelievable adventure.