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Secrets of the Red Box
Bonnie has secrets to keep - secrets with the potential to destroy lives, including her own. Running from her destructive and pain filled past, she recreates herself, believing she has escaped the damning evidence hidden in the red box. When her former life is revealed by a cruel twist of fate, Bonnie faces losing everything, including Glen, the only man she’s ever loved. But is Bonnie the woman he thinks she is? A psychological suspense set against the backdrop of the 1940s, Secrets of the Red Box is sure to keep you guessing to the very end!
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 11, 2013
As far as she was concerned, families were nothing more than a societal excuse to legally inflict pain on one another.
I'm not sure what to think of this book. I had all these crazy feelings going on, which yes, is a sign of a good book but they weren't all good feelings. Without a doubt it's the most engaging story I've read in a long while and yet the aftermath of reading the book has me all topsy turvy. I didn't expect the ending and I still don't know whether I'm pleased with it or not. I think if you take the book in the light that it tells Bonnie's story, it's fine. But for Glen? Argh. I just don't know. A lot of sad things happen. I felt frustrated for Bonnie – that she could never catch a break. That even after all her misery, there was always more. It's like she could never escape from her past. That was the other thing, should I have felt she deserved her punishment? How much pain did she have to go through to justify the pain she inflicted on others?
This book takes place in the 40s and this era has always interested me so I was immediately invested into Bonnie and Glen's lives. They take a while to meet but I didn't mind because I was fascinated at where they're at – Bonnie making her way in the city and Glen fighting the war in Italy. And besides, when they do finally meet, it's totally worth the wait.
Glen is such a gentle soul. He's good to Bonnie and he loves her so much.
Bonnie is all twisted up inside. She's a serial liar. At first I didn't understand the way the lies just flew out of her mouth, but a few flashbacks made me realise that's how she protected herself as a child.
She paused a bit longer in the world she’d created, the one where her father took her to the movies and bought her popcorn and a bicycle, and never hit her.
She has this vicious cycle going on. She feels worthless and so tells lies but the lies make her feel even more worthless and so she tells more lies.
It had always been easier to pretend to be someone else...No one would want to know the real Bonnie, she thought. No one would want such damaged goods, such a worthless human being.
Despite her extraordinary ability to adjust to the real world, her emotional adjustment is terrible. She's a mess and can't get over her childhood scars. She's terribly cynical and despises those who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Her self-esteem is worth shit. She puts up a brilliant facade of sophistication and mystery when in reality she's just a vulnerable and scared little girl. Bonnie's a survivor. She's consumed with self-preservation but she also craves adventure and being the centre of attention. She distrusts men but still feels the need to be affirmed by them.
I savoured every little bit of happiness she managed to squeeze out of life. I was so glad when she met Irene. Irene can see Bonnie needs help and Bonnie just melts under the kindness and love that Irene and her family pour out on her.
I have to say I wasn't expecting Bonnie and Glen to meet the way they did. It was so delightfully awkward. I didn't mind the insta-love because I was just so glad they found each other. Towards the end of the book, some of the reactions seemed off to me, but that's just a minor complaint.
Overall, it's hard to write a summary. I guess the bottom line is that I got lost in Bonnie's world and enjoyed it despite my fumbling emotions. That might have been my problem. I didn't know how I was supposed to feel.
I'm not sure what to think of this book. I had all these crazy feelings going on, which yes, is a sign of a good book but they weren't all good feelings. Without a doubt it's the most engaging story I've read in a long while and yet the aftermath of reading the book has me all topsy turvy. I didn't expect the ending and I still don't know whether I'm pleased with it or not. I think if you take the book in the light that it tells Bonnie's story, it's fine. But for Glen? Argh. I just don't know. A lot of sad things happen. I felt frustrated for Bonnie – that she could never catch a break. That even after all her misery, there was always more. It's like she could never escape from her past. That was the other thing, should I have felt she deserved her punishment? How much pain did she have to go through to justify the pain she inflicted on others?
This book takes place in the 40s and this era has always interested me so I was immediately invested into Bonnie and Glen's lives. They take a while to meet but I didn't mind because I was fascinated at where they're at – Bonnie making her way in the city and Glen fighting the war in Italy. And besides, when they do finally meet, it's totally worth the wait.
Glen is such a gentle soul. He's good to Bonnie and he loves her so much.
Bonnie is all twisted up inside. She's a serial liar. At first I didn't understand the way the lies just flew out of her mouth, but a few flashbacks made me realise that's how she protected herself as a child.
She paused a bit longer in the world she’d created, the one where her father took her to the movies and bought her popcorn and a bicycle, and never hit her.
She has this vicious cycle going on. She feels worthless and so tells lies but the lies make her feel even more worthless and so she tells more lies.
It had always been easier to pretend to be someone else...No one would want to know the real Bonnie, she thought. No one would want such damaged goods, such a worthless human being.
Despite her extraordinary ability to adjust to the real world, her emotional adjustment is terrible. She's a mess and can't get over her childhood scars. She's terribly cynical and despises those who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Her self-esteem is worth shit. She puts up a brilliant facade of sophistication and mystery when in reality she's just a vulnerable and scared little girl. Bonnie's a survivor. She's consumed with self-preservation but she also craves adventure and being the centre of attention. She distrusts men but still feels the need to be affirmed by them.
I savoured every little bit of happiness she managed to squeeze out of life. I was so glad when she met Irene. Irene can see Bonnie needs help and Bonnie just melts under the kindness and love that Irene and her family pour out on her.
I have to say I wasn't expecting Bonnie and Glen to meet the way they did. It was so delightfully awkward. I didn't mind the insta-love because I was just so glad they found each other. Towards the end of the book, some of the reactions seemed off to me, but that's just a minor complaint.
Overall, it's hard to write a summary. I guess the bottom line is that I got lost in Bonnie's world and enjoyed it despite my fumbling emotions. That might have been my problem. I didn't know how I was supposed to feel.
July 1, 2016
That was very anticlimactic. The author spent the entire book building up this secret past that is so awful but when you finally find out what she's hiding it's not that exciting. Plus Bonnie is not a very likable protagonist. It was difficult to root for her to have a HEA. Not sure if she even deserved one.
June 10, 2013
Reviewed by Michala T. at www.bitemybook.com
I’ve not read many books that were based in the 40’s. I also don’t read a lot of books that have military backgrounds. Neither have ever really carried well when it came to what I am interested in reading. Still I will have to say this book captivated me from the very beginning. Bonnie, in the beginning, is running away from something and is looking to start anew. This is her story of finding a new life, always looking behind her and fearing the past will catch up with her. The story was intriguing and of course the secret of what was in the box kept me turning the pages.
The main protagonist, Bonnie, is a very questionable character in th beginning. I’m not sure whether she is meant to be that way because she is very uncertain of herself and the attributes of the character came out THAT well in the story or whether it was the writer just getting acclimated with the character herself. I say this because the further in I read the more solid I felt Bonnie’s character became. For example, in the beginning she seems as if she is running from danger, which by the end of the book I understood clearly, but it seemed early on that it was a ‘different’ kind of danger. I don’t want to say more otherwise…spoilers.
The various characters in the book were strong, very real to me. I was disappointed that one character in particular just disappeared without a word. It seemed wrong to me and although I felt the writer did try to bring some resemblance of closure regarding the issue it still irked me some. I think that was the one thing that really stood out about the entire story for me. (And it was such a small matter).
I felt mixed up a bit when the POV changed but it wasn’t anything serious and with so many books these days doing that I was able to right myself quickly enough to not get too jarred with the storyline.
Now…enough with the particulars that bugged me. On with the positive. I think the author has an amazing ability for details. She didn’t go so far overboard that the story became blah and mundane but she still was able to make the routine things and myriad of events come alive before my eyes. The words were easily read and she didn’t try to impress the reader by superfluous words. Instead she wrote with a remarkably smooth manner and added descriptions to each scene that really drew me in as if I was watching it on a screen. Very few writers that I’ve read can pull this off. Kudos to her! The plot was evenly paced and I didn’t find myself skipping paragraphs. I really cared about the characters (especially Irene).
I’ve read some reviews who wasn’t certain of the ending and I can understand their opinions. I however thought the ending could not have been better. It was realistic and I think if it had been anything else I would have been sorely disappointed with it. I was able to find enough closure while allowing me some room for imagination. I enjoyed it.
In fact the entire novel was unlike the seemingly ‘fan-based’ stories I often come across. This story was unique and creative; rich with details and vivid characters.
My personal verdict: 7.5/10
I’ve not read many books that were based in the 40’s. I also don’t read a lot of books that have military backgrounds. Neither have ever really carried well when it came to what I am interested in reading. Still I will have to say this book captivated me from the very beginning. Bonnie, in the beginning, is running away from something and is looking to start anew. This is her story of finding a new life, always looking behind her and fearing the past will catch up with her. The story was intriguing and of course the secret of what was in the box kept me turning the pages.
The main protagonist, Bonnie, is a very questionable character in th beginning. I’m not sure whether she is meant to be that way because she is very uncertain of herself and the attributes of the character came out THAT well in the story or whether it was the writer just getting acclimated with the character herself. I say this because the further in I read the more solid I felt Bonnie’s character became. For example, in the beginning she seems as if she is running from danger, which by the end of the book I understood clearly, but it seemed early on that it was a ‘different’ kind of danger. I don’t want to say more otherwise…spoilers.
The various characters in the book were strong, very real to me. I was disappointed that one character in particular just disappeared without a word. It seemed wrong to me and although I felt the writer did try to bring some resemblance of closure regarding the issue it still irked me some. I think that was the one thing that really stood out about the entire story for me. (And it was such a small matter).
I felt mixed up a bit when the POV changed but it wasn’t anything serious and with so many books these days doing that I was able to right myself quickly enough to not get too jarred with the storyline.
Now…enough with the particulars that bugged me. On with the positive. I think the author has an amazing ability for details. She didn’t go so far overboard that the story became blah and mundane but she still was able to make the routine things and myriad of events come alive before my eyes. The words were easily read and she didn’t try to impress the reader by superfluous words. Instead she wrote with a remarkably smooth manner and added descriptions to each scene that really drew me in as if I was watching it on a screen. Very few writers that I’ve read can pull this off. Kudos to her! The plot was evenly paced and I didn’t find myself skipping paragraphs. I really cared about the characters (especially Irene).
I’ve read some reviews who wasn’t certain of the ending and I can understand their opinions. I however thought the ending could not have been better. It was realistic and I think if it had been anything else I would have been sorely disappointed with it. I was able to find enough closure while allowing me some room for imagination. I enjoyed it.
In fact the entire novel was unlike the seemingly ‘fan-based’ stories I often come across. This story was unique and creative; rich with details and vivid characters.
My personal verdict: 7.5/10
November 24, 2012
Rating 4.5 -- Full of secrets, tension and emotional intensity
In 1945 Bonnie escapes from San Diego on the first bus she can get to. She lands in Omaha to start a new life. She is running from some terrible deeds but that is kept as secrets in her red leather box. As she starts in a new job Bonnie makes friends and begins dating but she isn’t honest with them and isn’t really sincere in her relationships. Clearly she is a liar and a user of others. There are flash backs to her painfully abusive childhood that begin to give depth to Bonnie’s character making the reader wonder the influences that have contributed to her personality along with wondering what did Bonnie do that she is running from?
On the other side of the world in Italy, Corporal Glen Taggart is struggling to keep his young friend, Charlie Larkin, alive to get home to his wife, Amy. The 25 year old Glen has taken on the responsibility to care for 20 year old Charlie because Glen seems to need to redeem himself from the death of his mother when he was a boy. Glen is a good man with a warm heart who tries to help stray dogs as well as young soldiers. I felt sorrow for the pain and tragedy he may face.
When the war ends, Glen returns to Omaha and meets Bonnie through his Aunt Irene. Bonnie has been working along side Irene and rooming in their basement. Although Bonnie has always sought to remain apart and not get involved with others she has slowly begun to feel that Irene and Don are a family she wished she could have grown up with. After a slightly antagonistic start, it isn’t long before Glen and Bonnie acknowledge they have fallen in love.
Bonnie takes the risk of marrying Glen and to her surprise and great joy they have children. All seems to be happiness until the day Glen uncovers the secrets in the red box. Bonnie’s greatest fears are realized as she has to face the consequences of her past.
The author manages to pull the reader’s interest in right from the beginning wondering what crime or dreadful secret Bonnie is running from. There is emotional depth skillfully developed along with the tension of suspense. Bonnie isn’t immediately likeable but Ms. Hall manages to build a sympathetic view for her. I found myself feeling trepidation each time she pulled out the red box and pain at the betrayals that must follow the disclosure as I began to suspect what the secrets would reveal. Although there was some minor editing roughness the story is well written and strongly emotional. The ending is not a fairy tell HEA but rather a realistic possibility of a future. This is a different read but I do recommend it.
[Book received through BookBlast Tour.]
In 1945 Bonnie escapes from San Diego on the first bus she can get to. She lands in Omaha to start a new life. She is running from some terrible deeds but that is kept as secrets in her red leather box. As she starts in a new job Bonnie makes friends and begins dating but she isn’t honest with them and isn’t really sincere in her relationships. Clearly she is a liar and a user of others. There are flash backs to her painfully abusive childhood that begin to give depth to Bonnie’s character making the reader wonder the influences that have contributed to her personality along with wondering what did Bonnie do that she is running from?
On the other side of the world in Italy, Corporal Glen Taggart is struggling to keep his young friend, Charlie Larkin, alive to get home to his wife, Amy. The 25 year old Glen has taken on the responsibility to care for 20 year old Charlie because Glen seems to need to redeem himself from the death of his mother when he was a boy. Glen is a good man with a warm heart who tries to help stray dogs as well as young soldiers. I felt sorrow for the pain and tragedy he may face.
When the war ends, Glen returns to Omaha and meets Bonnie through his Aunt Irene. Bonnie has been working along side Irene and rooming in their basement. Although Bonnie has always sought to remain apart and not get involved with others she has slowly begun to feel that Irene and Don are a family she wished she could have grown up with. After a slightly antagonistic start, it isn’t long before Glen and Bonnie acknowledge they have fallen in love.
Bonnie takes the risk of marrying Glen and to her surprise and great joy they have children. All seems to be happiness until the day Glen uncovers the secrets in the red box. Bonnie’s greatest fears are realized as she has to face the consequences of her past.
The author manages to pull the reader’s interest in right from the beginning wondering what crime or dreadful secret Bonnie is running from. There is emotional depth skillfully developed along with the tension of suspense. Bonnie isn’t immediately likeable but Ms. Hall manages to build a sympathetic view for her. I found myself feeling trepidation each time she pulled out the red box and pain at the betrayals that must follow the disclosure as I began to suspect what the secrets would reveal. Although there was some minor editing roughness the story is well written and strongly emotional. The ending is not a fairy tell HEA but rather a realistic possibility of a future. This is a different read but I do recommend it.
[Book received through BookBlast Tour.]
November 20, 2012
I enjoyed reading ‘Secrets of the Red Box’. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it reading the description, but I did. The book is set in the 1940′s, during World War II, when Roosevelt was president. I think all women are fascinated by the 1940′s. Most movies you see of that time period romanticize the 1940′s. The women’s hairstyles were lovely and what was not to love about their clothes.
Bonnie is a young woman that was physically abused by her father growing up, as was her mother. She was made to work in the fields at a very young age picking strawberry’s. She never felt love from her father, and all she ever wanted was to feel loved and that she mattered to someone. As a little girl Bonnie promised herself that she would have money and would never have to work again. She was a runaway at the age of 16, and was very determined to make a better life for herself.
I didn’t like Bonnie much in the first part of the book. She was selfish, manipulative and a liar. Lies rolled off of her tongue very, very easily. She didn’t let anyone get close to her, for the fear of being hurt and she didn’t want anyone to know her past. As in the title of the book, …Red Box, Bonnie carried the red box with her every where she moved to. You don’t really know what is in the box, until the end of the book. She does hint to the contents of the box though. You learn that it has something from her past, something that she doesn’t want anyone to know about, something that she is ashamed of, but doesn’t really admit that do herself.
Throughout the book you see that Bonnie carries no real affection for any of the men she meets. She uses them for what they can give her. She picks military men, men that are lonely and that crave love and attention. When she met Glen all of that changed. Then we see a different side of Bonnie, one that is softer, caring and giving. I started to care about Bonnie in the second half of the book. She genuinely loves Glen, and they are happy together. Then something happens to change that.
Throughout the book I thought the Red Box held evidence of Bonnie killing someone, or a horrible family secret she didn’t want revealed. You don’t find out the contents of the Red Box til almost the very end. I was actually surprised of it’s contents. I would have never guessed what was in there.
If you have never read one of Ms Hall’s books you should pick this one up. It has a little of everything, history, romance, mystery and a little drama. The first few chapters were a little slow, but keep reading and you want be disappointed. Secrets of the Red Box was very well written, and I will be reading more of Ms Hall’s books.
Bonnie is a young woman that was physically abused by her father growing up, as was her mother. She was made to work in the fields at a very young age picking strawberry’s. She never felt love from her father, and all she ever wanted was to feel loved and that she mattered to someone. As a little girl Bonnie promised herself that she would have money and would never have to work again. She was a runaway at the age of 16, and was very determined to make a better life for herself.
I didn’t like Bonnie much in the first part of the book. She was selfish, manipulative and a liar. Lies rolled off of her tongue very, very easily. She didn’t let anyone get close to her, for the fear of being hurt and she didn’t want anyone to know her past. As in the title of the book, …Red Box, Bonnie carried the red box with her every where she moved to. You don’t really know what is in the box, until the end of the book. She does hint to the contents of the box though. You learn that it has something from her past, something that she doesn’t want anyone to know about, something that she is ashamed of, but doesn’t really admit that do herself.
Throughout the book you see that Bonnie carries no real affection for any of the men she meets. She uses them for what they can give her. She picks military men, men that are lonely and that crave love and attention. When she met Glen all of that changed. Then we see a different side of Bonnie, one that is softer, caring and giving. I started to care about Bonnie in the second half of the book. She genuinely loves Glen, and they are happy together. Then something happens to change that.
Throughout the book I thought the Red Box held evidence of Bonnie killing someone, or a horrible family secret she didn’t want revealed. You don’t find out the contents of the Red Box til almost the very end. I was actually surprised of it’s contents. I would have never guessed what was in there.
If you have never read one of Ms Hall’s books you should pick this one up. It has a little of everything, history, romance, mystery and a little drama. The first few chapters were a little slow, but keep reading and you want be disappointed. Secrets of the Red Box was very well written, and I will be reading more of Ms Hall’s books.
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
This book definitely kept me wondering and guessing. As a reader, I was kept in the dark for most of the book, only allowed bits and pieces of the puzzle until the very end. It was both awesome and frustrating.
Bonnie brought out such conflicting emotions in me. I just had to feel compassion and sorrow for her horrible, ugly childhood but the adult Bonnie that was full of lies and that hurt people really bothered me. I didn't like her at all. At first I almost felt guilty for not liking her but as the story progressed and I knew more and understood better, I changed my mind about my feelings and Bonnie.
Secrets are destructive things and Bonnie keeps a whole box full. I never would have guessed the ending in the beginning. I loved how the story slowly unfolded and turned into something I wasn't expecting. It really was well crafted.
I loved the setting too. The 1940's. There is this one scene where Bonnie gets dressed in a halter top dress that ties behind her neck and I had such a vivid, clear picture of the whole scene in my head. It was awesome. I love when that happens.
The ending wasn't my absolute favorite. I really wanted more closure than what I got. I can't really tell you what I wanted without giving the story and ending away and I just cannot do that. This is a story to be experienced for your yourself. The more I read this book, the more I enjoyed it.
Content: Some mild swearing and some scenes of abuse & child abuse.
This book definitely kept me wondering and guessing. As a reader, I was kept in the dark for most of the book, only allowed bits and pieces of the puzzle until the very end. It was both awesome and frustrating.
Bonnie brought out such conflicting emotions in me. I just had to feel compassion and sorrow for her horrible, ugly childhood but the adult Bonnie that was full of lies and that hurt people really bothered me. I didn't like her at all. At first I almost felt guilty for not liking her but as the story progressed and I knew more and understood better, I changed my mind about my feelings and Bonnie.
Secrets are destructive things and Bonnie keeps a whole box full. I never would have guessed the ending in the beginning. I loved how the story slowly unfolded and turned into something I wasn't expecting. It really was well crafted.
I loved the setting too. The 1940's. There is this one scene where Bonnie gets dressed in a halter top dress that ties behind her neck and I had such a vivid, clear picture of the whole scene in my head. It was awesome. I love when that happens.
The ending wasn't my absolute favorite. I really wanted more closure than what I got. I can't really tell you what I wanted without giving the story and ending away and I just cannot do that. This is a story to be experienced for your yourself. The more I read this book, the more I enjoyed it.
Content: Some mild swearing and some scenes of abuse & child abuse.
May 9, 2013
I wish I could find the enthusiasm for this book that many other reviewers have. I loved the setting of 1940s wartime, and I thought that aspect was handled well. The story's concept intrigued me. Unfortunately, it was muddled and mired in pages of nothing in particular happening. Too much of the writing did not advance the story forward. Instead, I often felt stagnant, desperately waiting for something of interest to happen.
My biggest problem here was the characters. First, I didn't particularly like Bonnie. Despite her tragic background, I found her difficult to care about. Rather than coming across as a sympathetic character, her rash behavior and uncaring treatment of others made me want to avoid her.
The secondary story line of Glen took forever to make sense to me. He had absolutely no obvious (or even tenuous) connection to Bonnie at all. Furthermore, his character needed to be better developed before I could make a connection or care about him.
A caution to Kindle owners: this book's formatting is problematic. There are no spaces or paragraph indents. It's one steady stream of run-on text. Also words often lack spacing between. If you want to read this one, you might consider going with the print version.
My biggest problem here was the characters. First, I didn't particularly like Bonnie. Despite her tragic background, I found her difficult to care about. Rather than coming across as a sympathetic character, her rash behavior and uncaring treatment of others made me want to avoid her.
The secondary story line of Glen took forever to make sense to me. He had absolutely no obvious (or even tenuous) connection to Bonnie at all. Furthermore, his character needed to be better developed before I could make a connection or care about him.
A caution to Kindle owners: this book's formatting is problematic. There are no spaces or paragraph indents. It's one steady stream of run-on text. Also words often lack spacing between. If you want to read this one, you might consider going with the print version.
June 22, 2013
REVIEW:
I didn't particularly care for Bonnie at first. She was a liar. You slowly find out from her flashbacks just what her mental state is. You start to feel sorry for the awful childhood she had to go through. But as an adult.she hurt people and lied continuously. Is there an excuse for that.?Bonnie kept a whole box full of secrets and secrets can destroy.Bonnie met Glen and romance begins. But could the lies and secrets ruin this? Do her secrets have anything to do with the Red Box? This book is part mystery and part romance.taking place in the 1940.'s., WWII. So many surprises as you turn the pages. It will keep you wondering and guessing about what is going on.. This was a page turner for sure. The author paints the characters so that you can almost visualize them. What was in the box that Bonnie held so dear? What did she do since she seemed well to do.?The author keeps you in suspense until the very end. which I felt kept me intrigued and reading. When you find an author who keeps you intrigued without giving you too much until the end, you've found a winner. I feel this book is a winner.
I would give this book 4.5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of SECRETS OF THE RED BOX from the author, Vickie Hall for this unbiased review.
I didn't particularly care for Bonnie at first. She was a liar. You slowly find out from her flashbacks just what her mental state is. You start to feel sorry for the awful childhood she had to go through. But as an adult.she hurt people and lied continuously. Is there an excuse for that.?Bonnie kept a whole box full of secrets and secrets can destroy.Bonnie met Glen and romance begins. But could the lies and secrets ruin this? Do her secrets have anything to do with the Red Box? This book is part mystery and part romance.taking place in the 1940.'s., WWII. So many surprises as you turn the pages. It will keep you wondering and guessing about what is going on.. This was a page turner for sure. The author paints the characters so that you can almost visualize them. What was in the box that Bonnie held so dear? What did she do since she seemed well to do.?The author keeps you in suspense until the very end. which I felt kept me intrigued and reading. When you find an author who keeps you intrigued without giving you too much until the end, you've found a winner. I feel this book is a winner.
I would give this book 4.5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of SECRETS OF THE RED BOX from the author, Vickie Hall for this unbiased review.
November 16, 2012
The story begins in the 1940's, our Country is at War..and Bonnie Cooper is on the run for her life.
Throughout the book there are flashback to her childhood...it is a wonder she made it to adulthood. You walk with her and see her trying to be the little child she is, only to be beaten back. Literally, both she and her Mother are beaten, by her Father. You wonder how can a man be so cold, and unfeeling?
By reading you find out why Bonnie is so afraid to let people close to her. She is afraid to have any friends, and never lets anyone very near her. She is a compulsive liar...and wow what a tangle she can weave.
You will wonder if she will settle for a man with money...not love, just for security? Will she ever find security, or is that impossible.
You will have to wait to near to the end of the book to find out what could possibly be in the box. Then you wonder why she even ever kept it??
A real compelling read, and one you can't stop once you start. You need to turn that page and find out what is happening now!
I received this book through The Book Blasts and Blog Tours Promotions, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and was not required to give a positive review.
Throughout the book there are flashback to her childhood...it is a wonder she made it to adulthood. You walk with her and see her trying to be the little child she is, only to be beaten back. Literally, both she and her Mother are beaten, by her Father. You wonder how can a man be so cold, and unfeeling?
By reading you find out why Bonnie is so afraid to let people close to her. She is afraid to have any friends, and never lets anyone very near her. She is a compulsive liar...and wow what a tangle she can weave.
You will wonder if she will settle for a man with money...not love, just for security? Will she ever find security, or is that impossible.
You will have to wait to near to the end of the book to find out what could possibly be in the box. Then you wonder why she even ever kept it??
A real compelling read, and one you can't stop once you start. You need to turn that page and find out what is happening now!
I received this book through The Book Blasts and Blog Tours Promotions, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 14, 2012
Bonnie is on the run from her past. She knows that it will soon catch up with her if she continues to live in San Diego, so she heads to the bus station and catches the first bus to...well, wherever the first bus is going. Bonnie winds up in Omaha, Nebraska, where she tries to start life all over again with a new job, apartment, and even a new name. She knows that eventually her prior life will catch up with her, but for now she's hoping to outrun it. She has a few relationships, but they don't turn out to be anything great. But when she meets Glen, a GI, she thinks that she'll never have to worry about her past again. But will their new life be as perfect as she wants it to be? And just what does Bonnie keep in the red box that she wants to keep a secret?
I enjoyed the plot of this book. I loved how even the reader doesn't end up knowing Bonnie's secret until the very end of the book. I liked seeing the way Bonnie changes from a very selfish individual to someone that cares about others. I felt sorry for Bonnie in the end of the book, but I did like the positive way that it ended. There were some swear words, nothing R rated, but it's definitely a grown up book.
I enjoyed the plot of this book. I loved how even the reader doesn't end up knowing Bonnie's secret until the very end of the book. I liked seeing the way Bonnie changes from a very selfish individual to someone that cares about others. I felt sorry for Bonnie in the end of the book, but I did like the positive way that it ended. There were some swear words, nothing R rated, but it's definitely a grown up book.
November 13, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am so glad to take part in this blog tour. This is a great mystery book that grips you from the first paragraph.
Bonnie is running from so many things; her past and her family. She has so many secrets and lies, sometimes it is hard to remember what is real and what she has made up. Everywhere Bonnie goes, she takes her red box with her. In it is something so terrible it could destroy her and the perfect life she has built for herself. I have to admit at first, Bonnie is not an entirely likable character. Through back stories, we learn how she became the person she is.
When the only man that she has ever loved finds out her secrets, what will he do? Will love be enough to hold them together or will her past come back to haunt her?
I was shocked at the end to finally find out her secrets even though their were subtle clues throughout the book. The writing is excellent. I love the 1940's backdrop setting. Will definitely read more books by Vickie Hall.
Bonnie is running from so many things; her past and her family. She has so many secrets and lies, sometimes it is hard to remember what is real and what she has made up. Everywhere Bonnie goes, she takes her red box with her. In it is something so terrible it could destroy her and the perfect life she has built for herself. I have to admit at first, Bonnie is not an entirely likable character. Through back stories, we learn how she became the person she is.
When the only man that she has ever loved finds out her secrets, what will he do? Will love be enough to hold them together or will her past come back to haunt her?
I was shocked at the end to finally find out her secrets even though their were subtle clues throughout the book. The writing is excellent. I love the 1940's backdrop setting. Will definitely read more books by Vickie Hall.
November 8, 2012
Set in the midst of war, this historical novel is filled with romance, suspense, and drama. The book begins with Bonnie, the main character, running for her life, fleeing to find a place to call her own and begin again, as a new person. Throughout the story, you realize Bonnie has issues. She's self-centered, a little cruel, but yet you know, deep down, she's only searching for love, family, and acceptance. You can't help but like her, especially as she flashes back to her childhood and you realize the pain and loss she's suffered throughout her life.
The red box Bonnie carries in her possession is definitely a mystery, and one that will have you turning the pages at a ferocious pace to discover the contents within. This is a very well written story. The author really takes you back in time with her descriptive narrative. The characters you meet throughout the story will leave lasting impressions, and you're definitely in for a surprise ending. I congratulate the author on a book that is a compelling read!
The red box Bonnie carries in her possession is definitely a mystery, and one that will have you turning the pages at a ferocious pace to discover the contents within. This is a very well written story. The author really takes you back in time with her descriptive narrative. The characters you meet throughout the story will leave lasting impressions, and you're definitely in for a surprise ending. I congratulate the author on a book that is a compelling read!
November 19, 2012
All the way through this book you try and imagine, what in the world is Bonnie hiding in that red box of hers? Seriously it cant be that bad, can it? It took me by total surprise. I was thinking, ok she killed someone or something along those lines, boy was I wrong. This book is based in the 1940's and close to the end of WWII. Glen is off fighting the war, while Bonnie is fighting a war of her own back in the States.
I did find it a little hard to like Bonnie's character, and maybe it was done on purpose that way, but I feel the story didn't really start until her and Glen finally met. Overall I did like the book, but it did take me longer to get through it then most. I think the end was the perfect outcome and made me even look at Bonnie in a better light. I loved how Glen changed her, even if he has to lose her in the process. You will just have to read the book to know what I am talking about!
I did find it a little hard to like Bonnie's character, and maybe it was done on purpose that way, but I feel the story didn't really start until her and Glen finally met. Overall I did like the book, but it did take me longer to get through it then most. I think the end was the perfect outcome and made me even look at Bonnie in a better light. I loved how Glen changed her, even if he has to lose her in the process. You will just have to read the book to know what I am talking about!
June 25, 2013
This is an interesting historical mystery/romance novel with a fresh modern feel.
We are introduced to a young woman, Bonnie, who is desperately trying to escape her horrific past. Some of this was at the hands of her abusive father, but, as we find out, some it if was of her own doing. Set during World War Two, we also follow the story of a young man in the midst of war and then his return to home.
I was amazed at how much I disliked Bonnie initially, and yet still couldn't put the book down. Normally, the main character makes or breaks my enjoyment of a book, but the author so neatly crafted Bonnie's story that I found myself slowly liking her more and more.
The overall storyline was very enjoyable. Little snippets surrounding the mystery of the red box and Bonnie's past are expertly revealed at just the right times. I was kept in anticipation right up until the end!
I was very graciously given a copy of the book for my honest review.
We are introduced to a young woman, Bonnie, who is desperately trying to escape her horrific past. Some of this was at the hands of her abusive father, but, as we find out, some it if was of her own doing. Set during World War Two, we also follow the story of a young man in the midst of war and then his return to home.
I was amazed at how much I disliked Bonnie initially, and yet still couldn't put the book down. Normally, the main character makes or breaks my enjoyment of a book, but the author so neatly crafted Bonnie's story that I found myself slowly liking her more and more.
The overall storyline was very enjoyable. Little snippets surrounding the mystery of the red box and Bonnie's past are expertly revealed at just the right times. I was kept in anticipation right up until the end!
I was very graciously given a copy of the book for my honest review.
April 29, 2013
Not a horrible book BUT certainly not great by any standard. The writing is a mixture of awkward, stilted, and trite. The Kindle version is further hampered by very poor editing -words run together, no separation between chapters, etc.
At times the story just drags and drags, getting mired in irrelevant petty details. At other times there are quantum leaps of time and details, leaving the reader trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
The biggest disappointment, however, was the ending. Sure, I'm as much a sucker for a happy ending as the next person - but this was ridiculous. It seemed as if the author wrote herself into a corner and couldn't figure how to get out, so she just ended the book. I mean, really? All of Bonnie's antics, but BAM! all is forgiven? I'm not buying it. Fortunately I didn't have to buy the book, either -a free deal through Book Bub.
At times the story just drags and drags, getting mired in irrelevant petty details. At other times there are quantum leaps of time and details, leaving the reader trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
The biggest disappointment, however, was the ending. Sure, I'm as much a sucker for a happy ending as the next person - but this was ridiculous. It seemed as if the author wrote herself into a corner and couldn't figure how to get out, so she just ended the book. I mean, really? All of Bonnie's antics, but BAM! all is forgiven? I'm not buying it. Fortunately I didn't have to buy the book, either -a free deal through Book Bub.
November 9, 2012
The choices we make inevitably have consequences, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes a combination of both. In this book, Bonnie makes some choices that come back to haunt her. People change over time due to circumstances, choices, and the relationships that develop. When secrets from Bonnie's past are revealed, Bonnie and her young family must face the consequences as painful as they might be. I found it heart-wrenching to follow Bonnie as she tries to make a new life for herself, only to find that her choices from the past must be dealt with in order for there to be any hope for the future. A powerful story about the dangers of lies and deception, but the power of love and forgiveness.
November 12, 2012
Vickie Hall is a very talented author who has a way of pulling you into the world of her characters, and feeling like you are a part of their world.
Secrets of the Red Box is a very well written suspense/romance that will appeal to all readers.
Bonnie is a young woman living during World War II. She seems like a sweet young woman, who has a problenm she is running from. What can it be that has her so worried?
You will enjoy watching Bonnie falling in love for the first time in her life when she meets Glen, a returning Veteran from the war.
The plot is very compelling, you'll want to read it all in one sitting so you can find out what the Secrets of the Red Box are!
Secrets of the Red Box is a very well written suspense/romance that will appeal to all readers.
Bonnie is a young woman living during World War II. She seems like a sweet young woman, who has a problenm she is running from. What can it be that has her so worried?
You will enjoy watching Bonnie falling in love for the first time in her life when she meets Glen, a returning Veteran from the war.
The plot is very compelling, you'll want to read it all in one sitting so you can find out what the Secrets of the Red Box are!
June 18, 2013
In secrets of the Red Box we are introduced to Bonnie A woman with secrets, so many she herself begins to get tangled in them. set in the 1940's Bonnie finds that keeping secrets can potential destroy you and ll you love.
I have to say starting out on this book I wasn't much liking the character of Bonnie but as I read I learned Bonnie wasn't all she seemed to be. As each secret came out I found myself shocked and wanting more. This book is a very well written story that will keep you guessing to the end. I highly recommend you get this book as a good pool side read this summer.
I have to say starting out on this book I wasn't much liking the character of Bonnie but as I read I learned Bonnie wasn't all she seemed to be. As each secret came out I found myself shocked and wanting more. This book is a very well written story that will keep you guessing to the end. I highly recommend you get this book as a good pool side read this summer.
February 3, 2013
I had to know what was in the box and I was surpised. Not only did it have suspense but it had the right mix of romance as well. Bonnie had a pretty hard childhood with a father that beat her and you couldn't help but think that she deserves to be happy now.
I won a free copy of this book through GoodReads.
I won a free copy of this book through GoodReads.
June 26, 2013
I felt overall that this book was a fantastic read. The author got me interested from the first page and kept me there throughout the entire book. I loved the book as a whole however I felt the ending got rushed. Still a fantastic read and I am glad to have read it. I look forward to her next novel and will read it overall she is a great author!
May 2, 2013
It is hard to stick with a book when you don't like the main character. The constant lying was troublesome for me. In the end the author answers the questions that were presented in the story. It is worth reading.
August 20, 2013
Great story, April 26, 2013
This review is from: Secrets of the Red Box (Kindle Edition)
Great story. Slow start but always keeps you wanting to know what secret is. Also needs editing, reason for 4 stats. But would recommend to read.
September 7, 2013
This book moved so slowly at times that I had almost set it aside on several occasions. I'm glad that I kept reading to the end, though. The ending is heart wrenching and powerful, and overall, the story is beautifully written.
August 15, 2014
“Secrets of the Red Box” is two separate stories, making this novel intriguing.
Read full review in the 2012 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 29, 2013
The beginning of this novel was a bit slow, but by about the 1/3 to 1/2 way mark I was completely hooked. I would read this author again!
May 19, 2013
This was a very good read. When the secrets of the red box were finally revealed, it was quite a surprise.
August 16, 2017
Well worth the time
A very thought provoking tale. The author has developed the characters very well, each one is deep, and the writing flows easily. All through the book I couldn't help but wonder "What can possibly happen with Bonnie"?
A very thought provoking tale. The author has developed the characters very well, each one is deep, and the writing flows easily. All through the book I couldn't help but wonder "What can possibly happen with Bonnie"?
December 26, 2019
What an unexpected ending! But I will not disclose this here{smile}
Mystery, Suspense and Romance was build in this Historical story while the Red Box took center stage. The author never allowing you to its locked up secrets. My heart was touched by the characters Glen and Bonnie. Two people coming together to share a life believing in the happy ever after. But then came the unexpected twist.
I never seen it coming at the beginning and I must admit I felt cheated in a way. In a good way {smile} Not real words to describe the feelings towards Bonnie that did everything to survive. Maybe it was not the best way but for her it was the only way out of a senseless existence. Leaving her parents house after enduring a long and stretched out abusive family life.
At the beginning I really did not like the selfish behavior of this young woman where every thing had to revolve around her but once she met the GI Glen Taggard she became human. A woman who I admired. Who for the first time in her grown up years was honest giving her heart to this old soldier.
The back ground plot of the end of the Second World War as soldiers return to their loved ones. Where we met Charlie and Amy and a sweet young love that tugged at Glen's heart yearning for something similar once he returned.
Glen was a real gentleman, perfect and romantic that carried her on his hands but when he discovered her deceit he was broken and he had to do the right thing. It devastated him. Because two small miraculous would be damaged in the long run and his marriage a scam. But he had to clean the slate. At the end as protector of his family he had to do the right thing and put Bonnie away. Yes in prison!
But his love towards this woman he thought he knew shined threw and I can admire a man like that. Willing to do what ever it takes to rescue his family.
The rest of the cast really helped to build the plot line. Aunt Irene and Uncle Dan, Luthur, Christine and Baby Girl. Each strong in their own right to bring a thought provoking and suspense filled story.
Buy the book or enter to win your copy it would be worth it.
Mystery, Suspense and Romance was build in this Historical story while the Red Box took center stage. The author never allowing you to its locked up secrets. My heart was touched by the characters Glen and Bonnie. Two people coming together to share a life believing in the happy ever after. But then came the unexpected twist.
I never seen it coming at the beginning and I must admit I felt cheated in a way. In a good way {smile} Not real words to describe the feelings towards Bonnie that did everything to survive. Maybe it was not the best way but for her it was the only way out of a senseless existence. Leaving her parents house after enduring a long and stretched out abusive family life.
At the beginning I really did not like the selfish behavior of this young woman where every thing had to revolve around her but once she met the GI Glen Taggard she became human. A woman who I admired. Who for the first time in her grown up years was honest giving her heart to this old soldier.
The back ground plot of the end of the Second World War as soldiers return to their loved ones. Where we met Charlie and Amy and a sweet young love that tugged at Glen's heart yearning for something similar once he returned.
Glen was a real gentleman, perfect and romantic that carried her on his hands but when he discovered her deceit he was broken and he had to do the right thing. It devastated him. Because two small miraculous would be damaged in the long run and his marriage a scam. But he had to clean the slate. At the end as protector of his family he had to do the right thing and put Bonnie away. Yes in prison!
But his love towards this woman he thought he knew shined threw and I can admire a man like that. Willing to do what ever it takes to rescue his family.
The rest of the cast really helped to build the plot line. Aunt Irene and Uncle Dan, Luthur, Christine and Baby Girl. Each strong in their own right to bring a thought provoking and suspense filled story.
Buy the book or enter to win your copy it would be worth it.
November 12, 2012
This was an interesting book for me. It wasn't one that kept me up late at night reading, but there was a steady thread of tension that kept me coming back to it. It's like a large mud puddle, once you step in it, you are softly sucked in until you lose yourself (or at least your shoe) in it.
The main character, Bonnie, is running away from her secrets, her deeds, and her life. She's suffered a lot through an abusive childhood and her choices haven't been the best since she reached adulthood. She runs away to Omaha where she meets a family that is the epitome of everything she wished she could have had as a child. Her lies begin to unravel and her old life comes back to haunt her forcing her to face what she's done and who she's been. The question is, can she overcome it?
We also have a parallel story with our hero Glen. We are introduced to him as he's serving in World War II. He's doing his best to survive and help his friend Charlie survive as well. The horror of war has scarred him and the experiences he has there are particularly well-written. I actually found myself wanting to skip over some of Bonnie's story to get back to Glen's. But once he's home, the story picks up with the two of them as they try to heal from their emotional wounds.
There was a lot of great imagery in the book and I enjoyed how much the secondary characters fleshed out the story. It definitely could have used a good edit, but the author does have a gift for turn of phrase. I would classify it as a slow suspense, one you'd want to read on a snowy winter afternoon.
The main character, Bonnie, is running away from her secrets, her deeds, and her life. She's suffered a lot through an abusive childhood and her choices haven't been the best since she reached adulthood. She runs away to Omaha where she meets a family that is the epitome of everything she wished she could have had as a child. Her lies begin to unravel and her old life comes back to haunt her forcing her to face what she's done and who she's been. The question is, can she overcome it?
We also have a parallel story with our hero Glen. We are introduced to him as he's serving in World War II. He's doing his best to survive and help his friend Charlie survive as well. The horror of war has scarred him and the experiences he has there are particularly well-written. I actually found myself wanting to skip over some of Bonnie's story to get back to Glen's. But once he's home, the story picks up with the two of them as they try to heal from their emotional wounds.
There was a lot of great imagery in the book and I enjoyed how much the secondary characters fleshed out the story. It definitely could have used a good edit, but the author does have a gift for turn of phrase. I would classify it as a slow suspense, one you'd want to read on a snowy winter afternoon.
May 21, 2013
Bonnie, the main female character, shows a side of unfortunate society in which individuals find themselves without a care taking advantage of those who are meek and insecure. Bonnie has a past that is later revealed hidden in a red box of bigamy, lies, and deceit. She used men to get what she wants not considering their feelings and her own actions. After finding the perfect guy for whom she does not use Glen and Bonnie start a fresh life only for Glen to find out about her deceitful past. Taking matters into his own hands he serves her the punishment she needs, yet waits for her to deal her sees so they can start a new slate.
Personally, this book was a hard read because of my instant dislike of the main character. She serves only herself not thinking about the consequences of her actions. I also didn't care for how much the book switched from her story to her past to another characters story and their past.
Personally, this book was a hard read because of my instant dislike of the main character. She serves only herself not thinking about the consequences of her actions. I also didn't care for how much the book switched from her story to her past to another characters story and their past.
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