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The Secret Keeper #4
The Secret Keeper Holds On
"I feel content, like this is what my entire adult life has been leading up to, like I'm the cheesy female lead in the final scene of a made-for-TV Christmas movie. The pastor's wife who finally figures out what life is supposed to be about. Whatever. It's probably just the mulled wine."
Peyton Northam does feel like things are starting to make sense for her and her young family. Her “nemesis,” Pastor Long is even cooperating by announcing his sudden retirement. But life is never static, and with new people entering Brice and Peyton’s lives on a seemingly daily basis, there's always something... or someone... different to worry about. Like the new assistant pastor who sets off Peyton's Creep-O-Meter. And the enigmatic local artist who tends to make Peyton forget she's no longer that trendy single girl from merely a few years ago. And even the most familiar people aren’t as recognizable as they once were. Her husband’s saying and doing out-of-character things, and her two best friends sometimes feel like strangers to her. In fact, it seems like the only constant in Peyton’s life is… Peyton. Because, as usual, she’s still holding on to all the old grudges, insecurities, and memories that make her The Secret Keeper.
Peyton Northam does feel like things are starting to make sense for her and her young family. Her “nemesis,” Pastor Long is even cooperating by announcing his sudden retirement. But life is never static, and with new people entering Brice and Peyton’s lives on a seemingly daily basis, there's always something... or someone... different to worry about. Like the new assistant pastor who sets off Peyton's Creep-O-Meter. And the enigmatic local artist who tends to make Peyton forget she's no longer that trendy single girl from merely a few years ago. And even the most familiar people aren’t as recognizable as they once were. Her husband’s saying and doing out-of-character things, and her two best friends sometimes feel like strangers to her. In fact, it seems like the only constant in Peyton’s life is… Peyton. Because, as usual, she’s still holding on to all the old grudges, insecurities, and memories that make her The Secret Keeper.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
18 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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July 8, 2015If you are not familiar with The Secret Keeper series, then the only thing to do is to read the other volumes first. You will be very lost if you read this one without getting to know Peyton and Brice, and everyone else. It will be time well invested, I can assure you. Then come back and read this one because it is, without a doubt, the best one of the series, so far (the author has announced on FB that she's working on book 5, can't wait for it!).
In The Secret Keeper Holds On we catch up to Brice and Peyton, and to the busyness of their lives-- their family life, Brice's calling as a pastor, Peyton's job at the gallery, their friends and extended family, the church members, and other new characters. It may seem a lot, but these secondary characters are very well crafted and do a great job of supporting the leads. And the main characters, Peyton and Brice, are so well developed that I feel like I know them (I've been following this series since last year). They are realistic-- they are funny, and sometimes comical, and very annoying at other times, and have faults, and sad moments, but also have generous, beautiful hearts that you can't help falling in love with. They are very attractive, especially Brice. ;)
I've read reviews from other readers who think this series is religious in content, but it really isn't. It follows the life of a pastor, yes, but it's more about the day to day of ordinary people trying to do the best they can, and who can't relate to that?
I wish I could comment on my favorite parts of this book 4, but I have so many I like, I'd probably be giving away major spoilers. There were some really funny moments (it *is* Peyton telling the story after all), and some really sad ones too, but overall, I loved reading this novel. Very, very well done!
In The Secret Keeper Holds On we catch up to Brice and Peyton, and to the busyness of their lives-- their family life, Brice's calling as a pastor, Peyton's job at the gallery, their friends and extended family, the church members, and other new characters. It may seem a lot, but these secondary characters are very well crafted and do a great job of supporting the leads. And the main characters, Peyton and Brice, are so well developed that I feel like I know them (I've been following this series since last year). They are realistic-- they are funny, and sometimes comical, and very annoying at other times, and have faults, and sad moments, but also have generous, beautiful hearts that you can't help falling in love with. They are very attractive, especially Brice. ;)
I've read reviews from other readers who think this series is religious in content, but it really isn't. It follows the life of a pastor, yes, but it's more about the day to day of ordinary people trying to do the best they can, and who can't relate to that?
I wish I could comment on my favorite parts of this book 4, but I have so many I like, I'd probably be giving away major spoilers. There were some really funny moments (it *is* Peyton telling the story after all), and some really sad ones too, but overall, I loved reading this novel. Very, very well done!
January 3, 2014
I can't imagine anyone reading this fourth book in The Secret Keeper series without having read the previous three, but this is, in my opinion, Ms. Brown's best book to date (I may correct myself when I get to book five). She stretches and challenges her beloved Brice and Peyton. Are they strong enough for what is in store? Surely their marriage is tested, as are they.
The secondary characters are, as always, captivating and multi-faceted, but Pastor and Mrs. Northampton are center-stage in this moving and emotional tale.
The secondary characters are, as always, captivating and multi-faceted, but Pastor and Mrs. Northampton are center-stage in this moving and emotional tale.
February 16, 2013
As always, this book did not disappoint! This is one of my favorite series of all time, and I would recommend it to EVERYONE! I love how well-developed the characters are, and how sad I am when I finish another book because I'm so emotionally invested in them. Loved, loved, LOVED this book! Can't wait to see what TSK IV has in store!
February 20, 2014
I absolutely love this series. Fun, fun books.
December 3, 2025
The Secret Keeper Holds On - book 4
The books just keep getting better!
How can you not love Peyton with her guilt trips that she puts on herself for her feelings that just slip out of her mouth so freely. I love all the references to the Lord and how her husband Brice the Pastor makes her feel loved even when she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. The storyline is refreshing and makes you feel like you are part of their community and turning the pages to keep their story going. How many kids are too many? We shall find out.😉
The books just keep getting better!
How can you not love Peyton with her guilt trips that she puts on herself for her feelings that just slip out of her mouth so freely. I love all the references to the Lord and how her husband Brice the Pastor makes her feel loved even when she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. The storyline is refreshing and makes you feel like you are part of their community and turning the pages to keep their story going. How many kids are too many? We shall find out.😉
July 2, 2014
This fourth installment of TSK is another fast-paced and engaging read about a couple in love, who have a lot of unexpected twists in store...
Peyton and Brice are back, and now they have two more babies on their hands. With three kids under two, they have enough on their plate. Add in some new problems at the church and the gallery, not to mention a couple of scares, and P&B are both forced to realize how lucky they are to be together.
This story satisfactorily ties up some lingering worries from the previous books while raising new ones in a delightfully heart-felt and often funny way.
I've laughed and cried with the Northam family, and I'm anxious to see what's coming next.
With each story I find myself falling more and more in love with these characters and the world Brea Brown has built for them.
Bravo!
Peyton and Brice are back, and now they have two more babies on their hands. With three kids under two, they have enough on their plate. Add in some new problems at the church and the gallery, not to mention a couple of scares, and P&B are both forced to realize how lucky they are to be together.
This story satisfactorily ties up some lingering worries from the previous books while raising new ones in a delightfully heart-felt and often funny way.
I've laughed and cried with the Northam family, and I'm anxious to see what's coming next.
With each story I find myself falling more and more in love with these characters and the world Brea Brown has built for them.
Bravo!
June 5, 2015
I have been a fan of Brea Brown since I read her first sentence MANY books ago. Her writing is engaging, her characters are endearing, her plot lines are both relatable AND engrossing, and she is able to reduce me to giggles in a split-second. That is no easy feat! I greedily devoured this book in my quest to see what those crazy Northams got up to this time. :) With three kids under the age of two, Peyton and Brice are tested further in their love for each other. Add in the rabble-rousing Pastor Long and you just know Peyton is going to make you laugh with her acerbic commentary. She is truly priceless!!! I'm constantly amazed by Ms. Brown's ability to keep her stories so fresh and inviting this far into a series. (I may have cheated and already read the fifth book.) I cannot say enough good things about this series or the stellar author who wrote them!
February 28, 2016
This is a very fun and enjoyable series. It is like hanging out with your fantasy friends. I already started the 5th book...I will probably be sad when I get to the end of the series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews