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Days of Our Lives #1
A Secret in Salem
Marlena & John have never been so close, and yet so far apart...
Marlena's love, John, has been paralyzed for two years, and she is becoming desperate. Although her love for him has never waned, she must find a cure before they drift too far apart as man and wife. But John's illness may not be all that it seems, and the truth could tear them apart forever.
On the winding roads leading to Monte Carlo...
Charlotte Gaines, daughter of one of the world's richest men and one of the hottest fashion designers, discovers a hidden truth about her family that she never suspected. It sets her on a quest that will uncover long-buried secrets, hidden passions, and dangerous mysteries...all leading to a city called Salem, and a revelation that will change all of their lives forever.
Sheri Anderson is a former head writer for Days of our Lives and is widely credited for co-creating some of the most memorable storylines and supercouples on American daytime television, including Luke and Laura, Bo and Hope, John and Marlena, Patch and Kayla, Shane and Kimberly, and Tony and Anna.
Marlena's love, John, has been paralyzed for two years, and she is becoming desperate. Although her love for him has never waned, she must find a cure before they drift too far apart as man and wife. But John's illness may not be all that it seems, and the truth could tear them apart forever.
On the winding roads leading to Monte Carlo...
Charlotte Gaines, daughter of one of the world's richest men and one of the hottest fashion designers, discovers a hidden truth about her family that she never suspected. It sets her on a quest that will uncover long-buried secrets, hidden passions, and dangerous mysteries...all leading to a city called Salem, and a revelation that will change all of their lives forever.
Sheri Anderson is a former head writer for Days of our Lives and is widely credited for co-creating some of the most memorable storylines and supercouples on American daytime television, including Luke and Laura, Bo and Hope, John and Marlena, Patch and Kayla, Shane and Kimberly, and Tony and Anna.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
29 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 3, 2019
Overall entertaining but wished Sheri would have left the sleazy reporters Deveraux family out of it. Abby has no soul taking pictures at the funeral and posting them. It's completely ridiculous that everyone was just ok with - especially the dead woman's family. It's disgusting and horrible that she has no conscious. I really hope she's not featured in the rest of the series.
September 26, 2011
I am an avid fan of Days of Our Lives. I found that this book brought back John and Marlena Black that had been taken off of the show. It starts with John and Marlena in Switzerland, where they went so John could get back his ability to move again after becoming paralyzed by and injection from Stefano DiMera that was actually meant for Marlena.
We also come to see Belle and Shawn also with their daughter, Claire. They are sailing around the world on a yacht that was given to them by John Black. They are on their way to Monte Carlo and then they will be off to visit John and Marlena in Switzerland.
On the scene in Monte Carlo are the Gaines': Olivia, Richie, Charley(Charlotte), Jackson and Chance. Olivia and Charley become involved in an auto accident on their way to a very exclusive yacht party. Olivia is thrown from the wreckage and Charley is bleeding profusely from her neck. A little ways away are Shawn and Chelsea (Shawn's half-sister)and they see the whole accident. Running to help, Shawn applies a compress to Charley's neck and Chelsea sees that Olivia is gone. Chelsea calls for and ambulance and they are off to the hospital. Once at the hospital, it is found that Charley needs blood, a rare type B. Shawn matches and gives his blood to save Charley.
In the meantime, Richie Gaines is being arrested for securites fraud, bringing down his sons Jackson and Chance with him. He is released on bond and is under house arrest with an ankle device so that he cannot leave his property.
John and Marlena get involved when Shawn calls to ask Marlena to help Charley with the passing of her mother and how to deal with their father.
This book is a soap in itself. I enjoyed reading it knowing this will never happen on the program I watch every day.
We also come to see Belle and Shawn also with their daughter, Claire. They are sailing around the world on a yacht that was given to them by John Black. They are on their way to Monte Carlo and then they will be off to visit John and Marlena in Switzerland.
On the scene in Monte Carlo are the Gaines': Olivia, Richie, Charley(Charlotte), Jackson and Chance. Olivia and Charley become involved in an auto accident on their way to a very exclusive yacht party. Olivia is thrown from the wreckage and Charley is bleeding profusely from her neck. A little ways away are Shawn and Chelsea (Shawn's half-sister)and they see the whole accident. Running to help, Shawn applies a compress to Charley's neck and Chelsea sees that Olivia is gone. Chelsea calls for and ambulance and they are off to the hospital. Once at the hospital, it is found that Charley needs blood, a rare type B. Shawn matches and gives his blood to save Charley.
In the meantime, Richie Gaines is being arrested for securites fraud, bringing down his sons Jackson and Chance with him. He is released on bond and is under house arrest with an ankle device so that he cannot leave his property.
John and Marlena get involved when Shawn calls to ask Marlena to help Charley with the passing of her mother and how to deal with their father.
This book is a soap in itself. I enjoyed reading it knowing this will never happen on the program I watch every day.
June 2, 2013
Back in the day, I watched Days of Our Lives religiously. I fell in love with the characters of Luke and Laura, Bo and Hope, Patch and Kayla and more. Then I got a full-time job and bye bye to my soaps! But when I was given the chance to read A Secret in Salem, I jumped at it!
I was not disappointed. Some of my favorite characters brought right back before my eyes. Marlena and John play a big part in this first book of a new trilogy. John is paralyzed and it really wreaking havoc on their marriage. They try to find a cure, but as it so often does, the truth will set you free or closer together. Rich drama with a compelling storyline - you won't be disappointed.
Then there is the story of Charlotte Gaines, a hot fashion designer and daughter of a rich man. When she finds out a something about her family that's been hidden from her, she delves deeper. Her investigations lead her to the heart of Salem.
This book is almost like watching the show right before your eyes. It's titillating, with a riveting plot and complex yet passionate characters. Sheri Anderson used to be a head writer for Days and you can certainly tell. She doesn't let anything slip through her fingers. I'm really looking forward to the next two installments in this series; A Stirring in Salem due for release in February 2011 and A Scandal in Salem scheduled for release in May 2011.
I was not disappointed. Some of my favorite characters brought right back before my eyes. Marlena and John play a big part in this first book of a new trilogy. John is paralyzed and it really wreaking havoc on their marriage. They try to find a cure, but as it so often does, the truth will set you free or closer together. Rich drama with a compelling storyline - you won't be disappointed.
Then there is the story of Charlotte Gaines, a hot fashion designer and daughter of a rich man. When she finds out a something about her family that's been hidden from her, she delves deeper. Her investigations lead her to the heart of Salem.
This book is almost like watching the show right before your eyes. It's titillating, with a riveting plot and complex yet passionate characters. Sheri Anderson used to be a head writer for Days and you can certainly tell. She doesn't let anything slip through her fingers. I'm really looking forward to the next two installments in this series; A Stirring in Salem due for release in February 2011 and A Scandal in Salem scheduled for release in May 2011.
December 28, 2010
A Secret in Salem by Sheri Anderson
Contemporary Romance –Nov. 1st , 2010
4 stars
To retain viewers, television has taken the idea of publishing books related to popular series, of which I am now a convert. Sheri Anderson took pains to tie in the televised soap opera "Days of our Lives" characters into a real page turner that reminded me of the days before television.
Marlena, John, Jack, Jennifer et. al. make their prescribed appearances as the story revolves around a new character known simply as Charly. But much of the story centers around Salem's dynamic couple Marlena and John. John is somehow tangled in the web of deceit related to his archrival but still maintains a massive fortune and an armada of resources that exceeds belief. His archrival has taken liberties unbeknownst to our heroes and uses Charly in his plot. Charly is for the most part an innocent bystander blessed with Marlena's good looks.
I found the world of intrigue and mystery in between the pages of A Secret in Salem enthralling. The characters had a lot of depth and complexity. The author did justice to the Days of our Lives cast. Entertaining and easy to read. If you are a fan of the show I would highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Patricia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Romance –Nov. 1st , 2010
4 stars
To retain viewers, television has taken the idea of publishing books related to popular series, of which I am now a convert. Sheri Anderson took pains to tie in the televised soap opera "Days of our Lives" characters into a real page turner that reminded me of the days before television.
Marlena, John, Jack, Jennifer et. al. make their prescribed appearances as the story revolves around a new character known simply as Charly. But much of the story centers around Salem's dynamic couple Marlena and John. John is somehow tangled in the web of deceit related to his archrival but still maintains a massive fortune and an armada of resources that exceeds belief. His archrival has taken liberties unbeknownst to our heroes and uses Charly in his plot. Charly is for the most part an innocent bystander blessed with Marlena's good looks.
I found the world of intrigue and mystery in between the pages of A Secret in Salem enthralling. The characters had a lot of depth and complexity. The author did justice to the Days of our Lives cast. Entertaining and easy to read. If you are a fan of the show I would highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Patricia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
December 2, 2010
One of daytime soap operas most memorable couples, John and Marlena must face a new obstacle together. It will test both of John and Marlena’s faith and love. John is dying from something mysterious. Marlena has gone to see some of the best doctors around. Marlena goes to see Dr. Blake Masters. Dr. Master’s is John’s last hope.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Gaines is the daughter of Richard Gaines of Financial Gaines Group, LLC. After Charlotte loses both her parents, Charlotte learns a shocking truth that will change her life forever.
For a very brief time I did watch daytime soap operas. There were only two that I got into…one of them was Days of our Lives. While I like knowing that I am never that far away from helping myself to an extra serving of all my favorite characters, reading about them just was not the same as watching them on television. I found John and Marlena’s story to be more interesting than what was happening with Shawn, Belle, and Charlotte. Though, I did like the twist on how all the story lines intertwined with each other. This is what I like about Days of Our Lives…the nice story lines. I may revisit Salem again someday.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Gaines is the daughter of Richard Gaines of Financial Gaines Group, LLC. After Charlotte loses both her parents, Charlotte learns a shocking truth that will change her life forever.
For a very brief time I did watch daytime soap operas. There were only two that I got into…one of them was Days of our Lives. While I like knowing that I am never that far away from helping myself to an extra serving of all my favorite characters, reading about them just was not the same as watching them on television. I found John and Marlena’s story to be more interesting than what was happening with Shawn, Belle, and Charlotte. Though, I did like the twist on how all the story lines intertwined with each other. This is what I like about Days of Our Lives…the nice story lines. I may revisit Salem again someday.
October 21, 2011
I don't know maybe I missed something along the lines somewhere but I read the description of this book here on Goodreads and then read the book and the whole time I was thinking "Who's this Amelia person they mention in the description?" I can only assume they are talking about "Charley". Although, Amelia and Charley are no where near like sounding names.
As for the actual book, I've been a Days fan for the better half of 20 some years. I appreciated some of the shows story line tie-ins and it did have the daytime drama that Day's is known for. I actually couldn't put it down. I'll admit, at certain points I wanted to just skim over it to get onto the next part. John and Marlena's constant fondling of each other for one. I'm aware they haven't had sex in years but it seemed like every time I turned the page, they were all over each other with no other real story line there for a while. I guess the book really wasn't that bad. It's pretty much what I expected and I caught on to where they were going with the plot pretty quickly.
As for the actual book, I've been a Days fan for the better half of 20 some years. I appreciated some of the shows story line tie-ins and it did have the daytime drama that Day's is known for. I actually couldn't put it down. I'll admit, at certain points I wanted to just skim over it to get onto the next part. John and Marlena's constant fondling of each other for one. I'm aware they haven't had sex in years but it seemed like every time I turned the page, they were all over each other with no other real story line there for a while. I guess the book really wasn't that bad. It's pretty much what I expected and I caught on to where they were going with the plot pretty quickly.
May 13, 2011
I grabbed this book on a whim, not realizing that it was a Days of Our Lives based book. I honestly thought it was about Salem witches or something similar. I've been a DOOL fan for years, but have missed the older characters immensely, so this book was great for me to read. Marlena and John were always a dream couple, the same with Shawn and Belle, so it was great to read about them.
My biggest complaint was how easily I picked up on where the story was going, especially with Charley and her parentage. There was no real mystery to it. Sure, you can't have Marlena and John without some sort of interference from Stefano DiMera, but this was predictable and boring.
My biggest complaint was how easily I picked up on where the story was going, especially with Charley and her parentage. There was no real mystery to it. Sure, you can't have Marlena and John without some sort of interference from Stefano DiMera, but this was predictable and boring.
May 20, 2011
Seriously, the WORST book ever. From the poor pacing to the choppy transitions to the cheesy dialog; the Portuguese used was incorrect and the names inaccurate; the love scenes either "thrust" upon us or too long and drawn out. Here's the thing; I had zero expectations. I mean, it is, for goodness sakes, a Days of Our Lives novel. I figured it would just be a little bit of a fun, light read. It was even too bad for fun, sadly.
April 30, 2011
I watched Days from junior high through my early 30s, and I got the book after seeing some of the veteran cast at the RT book signing. Have to say, this book is not very good. Too much head-hopping and name-dropping, and the title is sort of misleading. Book doesn't even take place in Salem!
Just not a well-written book. It reads like mediocre fan fiction.
Just not a well-written book. It reads like mediocre fan fiction.
August 4, 2011
This book was, in a word, ridiculous.
But, given that it's a Days of Our Lives novel, I suppose that was to be expected. It was *almost* awful enough to be great. For a short, fluffy read, it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. It read essentially like Days of Our Lives fanfiction, with better grammar than the normal internet-offered fare.
But, given that it's a Days of Our Lives novel, I suppose that was to be expected. It was *almost* awful enough to be great. For a short, fluffy read, it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. It read essentially like Days of Our Lives fanfiction, with better grammar than the normal internet-offered fare.
August 6, 2011
If your a Days of our Lives fan, I think you will enjoy this book. If you really miss John, Marlena, Shawn and Belle this will really get you wanting more. True to Days form, this book is all about the drama!
October 2, 2012
This book was very cheesy. However, the plot of the Gaines financial debacle was interesting, the characters were entertaining and over the top, and if you are a Days fan you will be entertained by characters we love.
April 25, 2011
Loving it. Bringing back all my favorite characters from DOOL
March 27, 2011
Its a soap opera so what do you expect. None of the characters in the book were my favorites so it was just ok.
May 5, 2011
An entertaining read...stayed true to the insane plots of soap operas.
Want to read
May 4, 2011Kobo free download 5/4/11
Read
May 8, 2011too many discordant strands at the get go
July 7, 2011
I have been watching Days of Our Lives for well over 20 years now and I really enjoyed reading this and picturing the characters as I know them.
May 21, 2011
After I finished this, I found out it was a book about Days of Our Lives characters. That explains a lot. Like how I didn't understand one thing that happened.
Read
June 22, 2011It was hard for me to follow at first there are a lot of story lines running through the book. In the end it was an okay book.
September 19, 2011
Horrible book. It had too many characters right from the start. Easy and boring. No substance whatsoever. I will not be reading any more from this author even when it's free.
January 15, 2012
Could not get into this book at all.
September 19, 2012
Now I remember why I don’t watch “A Days of our Lives.” I’ve tried for the first 50 pages, but than just gave up.
June 23, 2017
Wasn't as much fun as watching the soap, but interesting nonetheless.
January 22, 2014
Couldn't finish it
dnf
March 15, 2016So not the freebie for me
January 10, 2012
didn't even finish this. ick.
August 3, 2012
Fun read for every DOOL fan!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews