When Elizabeth Gunnar accepts a teaching position at the preparatory school she attended as a girl, she is returning to more than a place--to memor...
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reviews
Jun 03, 2010
Karen
rated it: 
I just finished reading this book and wanted to write this review while it was still fresh in my mind.
First, I didn't realize this book was categorized as "Christian fiction" and I was somewhat put off by that. I honestly don't think I've read a "Christian fiction" title before and so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I didn't want to be "preached to".
I picked this book up second-hand, otherwise I doubt I would have bought it. But I will say that it's al More...
First, I didn't realize this book was categorized as "Christian fiction" and I was somewhat put off by that. I honestly don't think I've read a "Christian fiction" title before and so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I didn't want to be "preached to".
I picked this book up second-hand, otherwise I doubt I would have bought it. But I will say that it's al More...
Dec 10, 2009
Robin
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This book was annoying. It is about a teacher, Beth, who returns to teach English at the Private school she went to as a teenager. The story sounded interesting, but as I started to read I noticed a few things that didn't really make sense. Her best high school friend shows up at her doorstep. They haven't seen each other in 15 years. The friend said that she left her husband in charge for the rest of the evening, jumped in her car and here she is. When offered coffee in the next sentence,
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Mar 04, 2011
Deb
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A powerful story that explores the effect secrets can have on us. Elizabeth Gunnar accepts a teaching position at the preparatory school she attended as a girl and she ends up returning to memories, mysteries, and an old love. The mystery if what really happened to her favorite teacher--right before the end of her senior year he tried to commit suicide and they never saw him again. The official story was that he had a heart attack--but Elizabeth and her friends were the ones who found him, a
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Mar 02, 2009
Kristen
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Elizabeth Gunnar returns to teach at Seaton Academy, where she attended senior high. The past confronts her from the moment she arrives in the form of a young struggling student, Satchel Queen. Elizabeth unravels the mystery of a teacher who vanished under suspicious circumstances, reunites with an old flame, and tries to work miracles in order to keep Satchel safely at Seaton. Based on Christian themes, I enjoyed the slow easy pace of the book, the unravelling mystery, and the journalistic styl
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Feb 23, 2010
Jaki
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I thought on beginning this book that it was going to be powerful school group book along the lines of "Secret History" but this had no power in it. While the main characters were likeable, they were not strongly represented, and the writing was fairly weak. I did not know that the author was writing as a Christian from the book description, and it was only hinted at slowly, but the message from this book was completely about finding a path through prayer, and being in the moment wit
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Jun 05, 2010
Staci
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I picked this one up because of a Goodreads ad and after reading it thought this would be a book that I'd enjoy. I did enjoy it, but it didn't blow me away. And you know something....I'm o.k. with that. I still like to sit down with a good solid book and become involved with the story, and that is what happens with this one. I liked that the main character is a book lover, in fact, she sounds like she would fit into our crowd easily. I would classify this one as a gentle read that was worth the
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May 27, 2010
Andrea
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THIS WAS A STORY ABOUT A SCHOOL TEACHER WHO RETURNS TO HER HOME TOWN TO TEACH AT THE SCHOOL SHE ATTENDED. IT DETAILS HER DEVISTATION AROUND THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF HER FAVORITE TEACHER - APARENTLY SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO COPE WITH THIS EVENT AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS AWAY.
THE AUTHOR THROWS IN SOME CHRISTIAN "HOPE" TOWARD THE END - BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO FLOW.
THE AUTHOR IS ALSO A TERRIBLE WRITER - SHE USES VERY LAME SENTENCE STRUCTURE - IT IS LIKE READING A PRIMARY SCHO
THE AUTHOR THROWS IN SOME CHRISTIAN "HOPE" TOWARD THE END - BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO FLOW.
THE AUTHOR IS ALSO A TERRIBLE WRITER - SHE USES VERY LAME SENTENCE STRUCTURE - IT IS LIKE READING A PRIMARY SCHO
Nov 28, 2009
Andrea
rated it: 
A tedious read. Does Bethany House have any editors? I wish I would have realized who the publisher was before I started this because I probably wouldn't have read it. What could have been a compelling story was ruined by inane dialogue and over-simplicity. It didn't take too long to realize what man the main character was going to end up with even though there was a decided lack of sexual tension in all her interactions with men.
And another thing, haven't any of the characters ev More...
And another thing, haven't any of the characters ev More...
Mar 25, 2009
Lisa
rated it: 
Loved this book, and I've loved all of this author's books. She's one of my favorites. I really enjoy how the author moves back and forth through the life of the main character, slowly building the plot. I really enjoyed the main character, and how she makes a real difference in the life of one of her high school students. I didn't like the side story of the character's romantic involvement, but loved the rest.
Jul 01, 2011
Teri
rated it:
Good book. Not as wordy as a couple books I've read by Ann Tatlock. Made it an easier and - in my opinion - better read. The heroine's inability or unwillingness to let go of what she felt was a wrong committed against her years before seemed a bit immature for someone her age, but wasn't bothersome enough to take away from the story.
Jul 01, 2010
Lucy
rated it:
This is not my typical read. It was a bit diary like entertwined with present. Iteresting story and characters, however if you are looking for action style writing you'd be dissapointed. Great base for values in this book, storylike has few twists in it. Good relaxing read.
Aug 16, 2010
Laura
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This author is new to me and I liked her writing style--very conversational and the plot moved along at a good pace. What was missing from this "Christian" book was the Gospel, the message of Christ crucified for our sins! But otherwise, I enjoyed most of the storyline and I identified with the main character in a number of ways.
Jun 15, 2009
Sally
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Silly, but I learned to love dried mango, thanks to Satchel Queen who really insinuated herself into my heart as she did with the other characters in this novel which I listened to on CDs. The tension in the plot kept me eager to listen to the next chapter.
Jul 29, 2010
Beth
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Labeled as Christian Fiction, we read this for book club in order to also discuss what makes a book Christian Fiction. Not my favorite book club book, it was an interesting story, seemed like a lot of the books we read before in book club.
May 02, 2011
Heidi
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I have read several books by this author and I really like her style. Her books are not preachy, but thoughtful. She tackles difficult topics in a hopeful way.
Jul 22, 2009
Bernadette
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Again with the Christian books. I am not sure why I have unknowingly picked up 2 in the last month. Very quick easy read. Predictable, but still enjoyable.
Nov 18, 2010
Pam
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I liked the book but thought the parts about the student the main character, Beth, got attached to were a little far fetched.
Jul 06, 2009
Laralee
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Very sweet story. I really enjoy Ann Tatlock's writing. My favorite Tatlock is still "I'll Watch the Moon." Thanks, Colleen, for introducing me to this author!
Jan 04, 2010
Karen
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Christain fiction for the bibliophile. Pleasant story. Audio version good listen.
Oct 10, 2008
Amy
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I read another book by Ann Tatlock called "I'll Watch the Moon" which was awesome! So I picked up "Every Secret Thing" thinking I've got a good author here. Usually, when I find a good author, I will read everything they've written. Well, this author seems to be "hit or miss". The other book was wonderful and this one was just OK. I really thought by the cover and the description of the book it would be way more suspenseful and mysterious. It did not live up to
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Mar 22, 2010
I'm still trying to quantify what I learned...other than I wasn't left weeping at the last chapter as I have been with her other books.
Nov 06, 2011
Mary
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I liked the book. I've read several of Ann Tatlocks and I enjoy her stories and characters. While it's Christian fiction, I appreciate that she doesn't preach to the read on every page. She does however, address the situations with ethics and morality when she could certainly go in another direction. Sure, I'd recommend it. It's an easy read.
Aug 17, 2008
Barbara
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I really enjoyed this story and I will read more of this author's work. I thoroughly enjoyed the character's relationships, especially with the student to which she becomes very close. Though the tone was somewhat melancholy, it ended on an up-note.
Aug 03, 2010
Alicia
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I almost thought author painted the characters in a corner with no plausible way to resolve the story, but Tatlock did a fine job of developing the characters and putting in a few twists to spur me on to read more and more.
Sep 14, 2008
faithful
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Interesting book that began diary-like, turned sorrowful with suicides, and yet ended positively. This is not my typical read yet I really appreciated the literary quotes and the perspective of an unmarried 40ish woman.
Sep 29, 2008
Heidi
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This book wasn't great. The first couple of pages really sucked me in, but the story was just kind of lame, in general. I am actually not sure why i finished it.
Jul 25, 2008
Jackie
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This was a book I would consider "light, summer reading." I read it after Exit Ghost and it was fun to read something less challenging! Good plot.
Jun 05, 2008
Judith
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This is a book about "moments of being"....in God's presence, told through the eyes of an English teacher and her student, Satchel. A great read.
