Secrecy

Rating:
Summary: Just a good story.
Review: "Secrecy" tells the story of Charlotte and her family, and an irreversible act of betrayal that nearly tears them apart. Charlotte's feelings are very real for the reader, and this is quite a page-turner. The only flaw here is Plain's affinity for too-happy endings. Still, it is a must-read for fans of Plain.

Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Review: Belva Plain novels are no great literary shakes but usually entertaining enough to take to the beach. With this one, the plot angst laid on with the usual trowel doesn't make up for the consistently lousy writing. It's bad. Really Bad. Hard to believe an editor ever got near the manuscript. That it made the best seller list, is one answer to the question: What's in a name?
Washington reader

Rating:
Summary: Something has gone awry with Belva Plain!!!
Review: I have always thought that Belva Plain wrote good, old-fashioned stories---nothing that would tax your brain or make you stay up at night, but interesting reads. This book's language is stilted and so are all of the main characters. I am very disappointed. I would not recommend buying this book. I know it is on The Times bestseller list, but I don't know why. Perhaps that is why it is titled "Secrecy."

Rating:
Summary: Plain is still a great storyteller
Review: I have just finished "Secrecy" and must admit it was one of those 'hard to put down' books. I could hardly wait to see what the next page would bring. There was a slight lull when Charlotte seemed to wander aimlessly after her attempted affair with Peter, but all-in-all, a definite all-nighter!! I particularly appreciated how the author did not give sordid details of the actual rapes, but rather left that to the assumed knowledge of the reader. While this is a sensitive subject I feel the author handled it quite sensitively and managed to not allow Charlotte to feel that she had done something to warrant this treatment from Ted. It was also quite refreshing to see how Claudia, Ted's mother, and Charlotte could put aside their obvious uncomfortable positions and remain close friends. Also, while Claudia displayed the feelings of a true mother, she also felt that Ted should be punished for the crimes he so apparently had violently committed. I felt the subject matter was handled in a delicate and appropriate manner. My sincere congratulations to Ms. Plain.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!! A must-read for mystery & love story readers!!!
Review: I have just finished "Secrecy" and must admit it was one of those 'hard to put down' books. I could hardly wait to see what the next page would bring. There was a slight lull when Charlotte seemed to wander aimlessly after her attempted affair with Peter, but all-in-all, a definite all-nighter!! I particularly appreciated how the author did not give sordid details of the actual rapes, but rather left that to the assumed knowledge of the reader. While this is a sensitive subject I feel the author handled it quite sensitively and managed to not allow Charlotte to feel that she had done something to warrant this treatment from Ted. It was also quite refreshing to see how Claudia, Ted's mother, and Charlotte could put aside their obvious uncomfortable positions and remain close friends. Also, while Claudia displayed the feelings of a true mother, she also felt that Ted should be punished for the crimes he so apparently had violently committed. I felt the subject matter was handled in a delicate and appropriate manner. My sincere congratulations to Ms. Plain.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing for Belva Plain
Review: I have recently rediscovered Belva Plain and have been avidly reading her books. I have read about six in the past three months and found each of them, while not "can't put it down, stay up all night", thoroughly enjoyable and readable. Then I started on "Secrecy" and was totally disappointed. The plot, the characters, the ending...just didn't seem like the same author I had enjoyed so much. Won't stop me from continuing to read this author, but hope I don't run into any more like this one.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing for Belva Plain
Review: I have recently rediscovered Belva Plain and have been avidly reading her books. I have read about six in the past three months and found each of them, while not "can't put it down, stay up all night", thoroughly enjoyable and readable. Then I started on "Secrecy" and was totally disappointed. The plot, the characters, the ending...just didn't seem like the same author I had enjoyed so much. Won't stop me from continuing to read this author, but hope I don't run into any more like this one.

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: I truly enjoyed "Secrecy" and plan, now, to get my hands on every Belva Plain novel that I can. Maeve Binchy and Rosamund Pilcher lovers should find "Secrecy" immensely satisfying. Plain's writing style is flowing and enjoyable, and I found Charlotte to be a very brave but humanly likable character, and loved the sensitive Roger. The story took a very interesting twist near the end, when Charlotte and Roger's plans for Dawes Square were mysteriously vehemently opposed by Charlotte's father, himself hiding a shocking secret. The "mob" aspect of the story was a very minimal, peripheral part of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Plain is still a great storyteller
Review: Plain is still a great storyteller. The story is not that page-turner but it's worth the while. She has a way of defining emotions whether it's deep or shallow.

Rating:
Summary: The Danger of Secrets
Review: This book revolved around the secrets of a family. Each person's secret affected everyone. It was an enjoyable book to read and was pleased with the ending.