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Mirror Estate #3
Forgotten Secret
A determined journalist. An unknown malevolent force. Will she unlock her past before succumbing to evil?For two decades, forty-four-year-old magazine writer Clara Khoury has lived with missing pieces of herself—her memory. When the recent discovery of a young woman’s remains triggers her, she’s compelled to investigate. Now, her disturbing past threatens her contented present, someone frames her husband, and their daughter is abducted. If she can’t uncover the truth, she might lose everyone she loves.Locked within Clara’s shattered mind are the keys to crimes past and present. Can she recover the forgotten secret before losing her family?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2024
62 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
S.F. Baumgartner
20 books434 followersS.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson's style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 13, 2023
Forgotten Secret is book 2 in the Mirror Estate Series by S F Baumgartner. I think that this series is a psychological suspense, inspirational thriller and a fantastic read. I really like that the core characters, both good and evil, are in each book. Clara has no memories and has built a life with Dr Michael Khoury and their two children, Jason and Lily. When Clara's world is turned upside down, all of the core characters show up and her life is changed forever. The Ghost is alive and I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 5, 2024
I was given a copy of this book as an ARC and it is the first introduction i have to the author and the series.
I enjoyed the fact that there is a recap to get a reader up to speed to continue with the story, and while I’m sure there is entirely more context by reading the first book in the series, the recap feels sufficient to step right into book two with minimal disconnects.
This story is a psychological thriller, and has a lot of twists and turns as you would expect. While there are many original elements to the story and characters, a thriller with a main character who has amnesia and needs to remember their past is not one of them. I did appreciate that the author took the time to thoroughly research the condition to make her story as factually accurate though. That said, the pace was good, but the writing style was a little different for me and was a little hard to follow at certain points. An example of this would be a character does something like turns a car into a parking lot, then the story jumps to give background that at one time said character was offered employment with the establishment that the parking lot belongs to but they declined the offer, and the immediate next line is unrelated to the blurb. There’s a few instances like this where the positioning of information, while potentially valuable knowledge, just seems disjointed or doesn’t flow well IMO.
Overall, the story was enjoyable, builds up to a cliffhanger and leaves readers primed for the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the fact that there is a recap to get a reader up to speed to continue with the story, and while I’m sure there is entirely more context by reading the first book in the series, the recap feels sufficient to step right into book two with minimal disconnects.
This story is a psychological thriller, and has a lot of twists and turns as you would expect. While there are many original elements to the story and characters, a thriller with a main character who has amnesia and needs to remember their past is not one of them. I did appreciate that the author took the time to thoroughly research the condition to make her story as factually accurate though. That said, the pace was good, but the writing style was a little different for me and was a little hard to follow at certain points. An example of this would be a character does something like turns a car into a parking lot, then the story jumps to give background that at one time said character was offered employment with the establishment that the parking lot belongs to but they declined the offer, and the immediate next line is unrelated to the blurb. There’s a few instances like this where the positioning of information, while potentially valuable knowledge, just seems disjointed or doesn’t flow well IMO.
Overall, the story was enjoyable, builds up to a cliffhanger and leaves readers primed for the next book in the series.
January 3, 2024
This is an entertaining novel exploring the heartbreaking issue of human trafficking as well as the frequently used plot theme of amnesia. This book is the second full length novel in the series and the third, if you count the prequel novella. I would highly recommend reading those earlier works to fully understand this one. The actions and emotions of the characters involved in this story may not be understood fully otherwise.
I find Baumgartner's writing style hard to follow at times. The plot structure covers several characters with the story focus and setting frequently changing. Characters make statements at times I do not understand, wondering if I have missed something that happened.
The characters are developed well and action moves the plot along at a good pace. It just took a bit more concentration than I usually give to fiction to remain engaged in this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I find Baumgartner's writing style hard to follow at times. The plot structure covers several characters with the story focus and setting frequently changing. Characters make statements at times I do not understand, wondering if I have missed something that happened.
The characters are developed well and action moves the plot along at a good pace. It just took a bit more concentration than I usually give to fiction to remain engaged in this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 30, 2023
Another great installment of the Mirror Estate Series. I was up way past my bedtime finishing this exceptional, fast paced story. Kara is a wife, mother and writer, who has never regained memory after a tragic accident 20 years ago. A woman is found in the walls of a building and her name triggers off something in Kara’s mind. In researching her history, she finds links to her own, but this takes her on an unexpected journey into horrors she never dreamed of.
Although listed as a stand-alone, I highly recommend that you read the 2 previous novels. There are many characters, and history that will help make the connections in this story. Love that all the characters are back – both good and bad. Highly recommend if you like psychological suspense thrillers. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.
Although listed as a stand-alone, I highly recommend that you read the 2 previous novels. There are many characters, and history that will help make the connections in this story. Love that all the characters are back – both good and bad. Highly recommend if you like psychological suspense thrillers. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.
December 28, 2023
This is a psychological suspense thriller and it’s the second book in the Mirror Estate Series. I felt so connected with the characters. There are multiple perspectives. Clara has lost her memory, she had been saved by someone. She is trying to retrieve her memories. All she remembers is that her name is Clara and she is from Hong Kong. She met Michael who has a poignant story behind his name in the hospital. She married him. While her world turns upside down when her daughter is abducted and she tries to open the knots of her past before it destroys her present. There’s Olivia Mystery and loved reading about Dylan and Lily. The book has so many twists and turns. And the book ends on a mysterious note. I can’t wait to read next book in series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Author and Publisher.
Thanks to Netgalley, Author and Publisher.
November 30, 2023
This book has me turning the pages but not wanting the story to end. I definitely recommend reading the first book as there are so many characters and so much to remember. I loved getting reacquainted with Dylan, Olivia,Simon, Lily and Ron. I can't wait for the next book.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own
February 19, 2024
This is book to of the Mirror Estates series and is a very complex tale of decades of events which link many of the characters in unknown manner. Events from two decades ago, have magazine writer Clara Khoury suddenly finding a name on the news that rings a bell in her memories. Memories which she hasn’t had a clue about since she suffered severe head trauma back then and was lucky to survive. Only the fact that her now husband Dr Michael (Amir) Khoury, was with his brother and he found her, and that he was a neurological surgeon, allowed her to recover. She never managed to remember anything of her past life from before the incident, part from a dream that brought the name Clara to her. Her husband thought she might have been part of a human trafficking operation that was disturbed the night she was found. She had no identity and her fingerprints came up with nothing. Michael eventually got her some fake papers made to allow her to stay with him. The news items was about the body of a woman found in a building being renovated and identified as Linda Boroski, the name triggering something in Clara. She sets out to start investigating this woman’s past and to find out what led to her being found some twenty years after she disappeared. But those questions soon reach the ears of those who tried to get rid of her at that time and who didn’t even know that she was still alive!
Meanwhile former secret agent Olivia Tso, has just become engaged to Simon Roth, a US Senator she was involved with decades ago and who she had a child with, Lily, who was left with her friend and now nun, Marie, and raised in Hong Kong. During their Thanksgiving meal, she is interrupted by their ultimate boss, asked to visit Marge Beaumont, aka The Ghost, who is currently under heavy guard in a secure prison, who insists she will only speak to Olivia about something important. Higher ups hope to get information from the Ghost, to help take down some very dangerous criminals. It seems the Ghost wants to live out her sentence on the Mirror Estates, where her own mother, Carol Marino, lives, along with her nephew Dylan Roche, who the Ghost even pulled a gun on and tried to kill! Not making her the most popular person for them to want to welcome to the estate. She provides Olivia with news of a human trafficking ring that is about to hold an auction to sell of a number of trafficked boys and girls, into a life none of them would want! Dylan and his friend Tommy have managed to find one of the hidden buried treasures supposedly buried on the estate decades ago by his grandparents and those around in those days. They bring more questions than answers and end up leading to even more important treasures that must still be unfound, and he has to wonder if that is why the Ghost wants to be based at the estate, even if in a supposedly secure location!
The joint FBI task force starts working on the information the Ghost gives them, that should lead to an important criminal they have wanted to take down for many years. Dylan and Lily get pulled into the mystery surrounding Clara in the current day, as it seems someone wants her dead and is framing her husband Michael for it. On top of that, someone kidnaps their daughter Faith, leaving Clara even more stressed and worried about what is going on. There are some very surprising interactions that give clues to some of the characters behind events past and present, but there are also lots of puzzles that take characters from the question from their past to the present day, to work out, such as new FBI agent Eva, who was inspired to join the FBI after her aunt went missing when she was just five and the vague references to her Uncle Bill. She goes undercover on the human trafficking ring and soon finds herself close to others there and manages to save someone related to her, who she never even knew! There is so much mixed up in this story, that it is certainly best to have read the previous book and short stories first, if possible, to keep all the characters straight in your head as you read what is happening to them all and how it all interlinks together. So much more still to come from this fascinating thriller and I can’t wait to see what other buried treasures and secrets are about to be uncovered! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Meanwhile former secret agent Olivia Tso, has just become engaged to Simon Roth, a US Senator she was involved with decades ago and who she had a child with, Lily, who was left with her friend and now nun, Marie, and raised in Hong Kong. During their Thanksgiving meal, she is interrupted by their ultimate boss, asked to visit Marge Beaumont, aka The Ghost, who is currently under heavy guard in a secure prison, who insists she will only speak to Olivia about something important. Higher ups hope to get information from the Ghost, to help take down some very dangerous criminals. It seems the Ghost wants to live out her sentence on the Mirror Estates, where her own mother, Carol Marino, lives, along with her nephew Dylan Roche, who the Ghost even pulled a gun on and tried to kill! Not making her the most popular person for them to want to welcome to the estate. She provides Olivia with news of a human trafficking ring that is about to hold an auction to sell of a number of trafficked boys and girls, into a life none of them would want! Dylan and his friend Tommy have managed to find one of the hidden buried treasures supposedly buried on the estate decades ago by his grandparents and those around in those days. They bring more questions than answers and end up leading to even more important treasures that must still be unfound, and he has to wonder if that is why the Ghost wants to be based at the estate, even if in a supposedly secure location!
The joint FBI task force starts working on the information the Ghost gives them, that should lead to an important criminal they have wanted to take down for many years. Dylan and Lily get pulled into the mystery surrounding Clara in the current day, as it seems someone wants her dead and is framing her husband Michael for it. On top of that, someone kidnaps their daughter Faith, leaving Clara even more stressed and worried about what is going on. There are some very surprising interactions that give clues to some of the characters behind events past and present, but there are also lots of puzzles that take characters from the question from their past to the present day, to work out, such as new FBI agent Eva, who was inspired to join the FBI after her aunt went missing when she was just five and the vague references to her Uncle Bill. She goes undercover on the human trafficking ring and soon finds herself close to others there and manages to save someone related to her, who she never even knew! There is so much mixed up in this story, that it is certainly best to have read the previous book and short stories first, if possible, to keep all the characters straight in your head as you read what is happening to them all and how it all interlinks together. So much more still to come from this fascinating thriller and I can’t wait to see what other buried treasures and secrets are about to be uncovered! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 8, 2024
Read via Order of the Bookish.
In any sequel, be it book or movie, there are things that improve and things that do not. Let’s discuss.
Clara woke up in the hospital 20 years ago with a gunshot wound and no memories. Now, someone appears to be targeting her and her family. Meanwhile, in prison, the Ghost continues to pull strings that reach farther than anyone knows. Olivia,
As I mentioned in my review for book 1, political thrillers often leave me confused and exhausted. To my delight, this book did not follow the trend. Some of that may be because I’ve read book 1 (you’re going to need it; while this story is contained within itself, there’s too much going on to skip the prequel and “Living Secrets”). Some of it may also be because the author put in a very short synopsis of the 2 prior titles before launching into this one. I don’t know whether that’s an ARC feature or if it’ll be in the final copy, but it helped make sure everybody was on the same page going into this story.
With the general confusion issue cleared up, I was able to focus more on all the moving parts in the book…and there are a *lot* of moving parts. As with book 1, the POV/character focus alternates in each chapter, so we’re able to see what’s going on in all of those different areas. This helps a lot at the end, but for the first half it did feel like there might have been too many things happening at once. As things came together and everything got going, I found myself more engaged in the various storylines in this book than I was in book 1. Some of that might be because I knew who all the players were and didn’t have to puzzle through those dynamics, but it also just felt like the author really hit their stride around that 50-65% mark and things just started flowing more smoothly. The language throughout stays fairly basic, and at times almost felt stunted or too formal for the relationships, but that also seemed to become less noticeable about halfway through.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It still doesn’t hit the top of my favorites list, though, and I think that boils down to 2 main reasons. 1) I’m just not a huge political thriller fan. I’m a fantasy lover at heart, and a good murder mystery is always fun, but too much reality and too many moving parts just don’t hit the right buttons for me. And 2) A large portion of the writing comes out feeling either too formal/stilted (particularly in conversations) or too surface level and jumpy. A lot of that early flow jumps around too much and it was easy to lose what was happening and where because, right as we’d get into something, the POV/focus would shift. Occasionally it felt like transitions just hadn’t quite made it into the scene, and I found it hard to get into things early on.
As I mentioned for book 1, if you like political thrillers, if you enjoy a lot of moving parts and having to put in a lot of effort to keep track of things, you might really enjoy this title. Definitely read the prequel and book 1 first, but then by all means you should check this one out! I liked the actual meat of the story more than book 1; I wanted to know what happened next and if everything would work out in the end. I just prefer my books to focus more on the investigators and less on the victims.
Note: As in book 1, the story has definitive Christian influences, so if a lot of praying or religious associations are turnoffs for you, this book probably won’t be a good fit. This book also ends on a semi-cliffhanger. Things are resolved, but there is a lead-in for the next book.
In any sequel, be it book or movie, there are things that improve and things that do not. Let’s discuss.
Clara woke up in the hospital 20 years ago with a gunshot wound and no memories. Now, someone appears to be targeting her and her family. Meanwhile, in prison, the Ghost continues to pull strings that reach farther than anyone knows. Olivia,
As I mentioned in my review for book 1, political thrillers often leave me confused and exhausted. To my delight, this book did not follow the trend. Some of that may be because I’ve read book 1 (you’re going to need it; while this story is contained within itself, there’s too much going on to skip the prequel and “Living Secrets”). Some of it may also be because the author put in a very short synopsis of the 2 prior titles before launching into this one. I don’t know whether that’s an ARC feature or if it’ll be in the final copy, but it helped make sure everybody was on the same page going into this story.
With the general confusion issue cleared up, I was able to focus more on all the moving parts in the book…and there are a *lot* of moving parts. As with book 1, the POV/character focus alternates in each chapter, so we’re able to see what’s going on in all of those different areas. This helps a lot at the end, but for the first half it did feel like there might have been too many things happening at once. As things came together and everything got going, I found myself more engaged in the various storylines in this book than I was in book 1. Some of that might be because I knew who all the players were and didn’t have to puzzle through those dynamics, but it also just felt like the author really hit their stride around that 50-65% mark and things just started flowing more smoothly. The language throughout stays fairly basic, and at times almost felt stunted or too formal for the relationships, but that also seemed to become less noticeable about halfway through.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It still doesn’t hit the top of my favorites list, though, and I think that boils down to 2 main reasons. 1) I’m just not a huge political thriller fan. I’m a fantasy lover at heart, and a good murder mystery is always fun, but too much reality and too many moving parts just don’t hit the right buttons for me. And 2) A large portion of the writing comes out feeling either too formal/stilted (particularly in conversations) or too surface level and jumpy. A lot of that early flow jumps around too much and it was easy to lose what was happening and where because, right as we’d get into something, the POV/focus would shift. Occasionally it felt like transitions just hadn’t quite made it into the scene, and I found it hard to get into things early on.
As I mentioned for book 1, if you like political thrillers, if you enjoy a lot of moving parts and having to put in a lot of effort to keep track of things, you might really enjoy this title. Definitely read the prequel and book 1 first, but then by all means you should check this one out! I liked the actual meat of the story more than book 1; I wanted to know what happened next and if everything would work out in the end. I just prefer my books to focus more on the investigators and less on the victims.
Note: As in book 1, the story has definitive Christian influences, so if a lot of praying or religious associations are turnoffs for you, this book probably won’t be a good fit. This book also ends on a semi-cliffhanger. Things are resolved, but there is a lead-in for the next book.
May 20, 2024
If you’re a fan of Christian suspense thrillers, “Forgotten Secret” by S.F. Baumgartner should be at the top of your reading list. As the second installment in the Mirror Estate series, this book masterfully continues the gripping narrative introduced in the first book. Baumgartner’s storytelling prowess shines through in this thrilling sequel, offering a complex web of characters and events that keep readers on the edge.
In “Forgotten Secret,” we return to the lives of Clara Khoury, her husband, and their children, delving deeper into their tangled destinies. The plot thickens with layers of suspense and intrigue, and each character’s story intertwines seamlessly to form a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Having read the first book in the series, I strongly recommend starting with the initial installment before delving into “Forgotten Secret.” Baumgartner skillfully builds upon the foundation in the first book, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the characters’ journeys. The continuity and depth provided by reading the series amplify the emotional and psychological impact of the story.
From the moment you pick up “Forgotten Secret,” you’re likely to find yourself engrossed in its pages. Baumgartner’s adept handling of suspense ensures that the reader is perpetually curious and eager to uncover the next twist or turn. Clara’s struggle with memory loss is particularly compelling, as it adds a layer of vulnerability and complexity to her character. As she grapples with the shadows of her past, the reader is invited to piece together the puzzle alongside her.
One of the standout features of Baumgartner’s writing is her ability to weave multiple storylines together effortlessly. Each subplot is given ample attention and significance, contributing to the mystery and suspense. The author’s knack for building tension and delivering surprises makes “Forgotten Secret” a thoroughly engaging read.
Beyond the suspense, “Forgotten Secret” is a story of faith and resilience. Clara’s journey is not just a fight for answers but also a testament to her strength and belief. This underlying theme of faith adds a profound dimension to the thriller, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate Christian fiction.
If you’re looking for a book that combines suspense, mystery, and faith, look no further than “Forgotten Secret” by S.F. Baumgartner. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and relentless pace, it’s a novel that promises to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Make sure to start with the first book in the Mirror Estate series to appreciate this thrilling sequel's richness fully.
I wholeheartedly recommend “Forgotten Secret” to anyone who enjoys Christian suspense thrillers. Baumgartner’s storytelling will capture your imagination and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Mirror Estate series. Dive into the mystery, embrace the suspense, and uncover the secrets hidden within these pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
In “Forgotten Secret,” we return to the lives of Clara Khoury, her husband, and their children, delving deeper into their tangled destinies. The plot thickens with layers of suspense and intrigue, and each character’s story intertwines seamlessly to form a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Having read the first book in the series, I strongly recommend starting with the initial installment before delving into “Forgotten Secret.” Baumgartner skillfully builds upon the foundation in the first book, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the characters’ journeys. The continuity and depth provided by reading the series amplify the emotional and psychological impact of the story.
From the moment you pick up “Forgotten Secret,” you’re likely to find yourself engrossed in its pages. Baumgartner’s adept handling of suspense ensures that the reader is perpetually curious and eager to uncover the next twist or turn. Clara’s struggle with memory loss is particularly compelling, as it adds a layer of vulnerability and complexity to her character. As she grapples with the shadows of her past, the reader is invited to piece together the puzzle alongside her.
One of the standout features of Baumgartner’s writing is her ability to weave multiple storylines together effortlessly. Each subplot is given ample attention and significance, contributing to the mystery and suspense. The author’s knack for building tension and delivering surprises makes “Forgotten Secret” a thoroughly engaging read.
Beyond the suspense, “Forgotten Secret” is a story of faith and resilience. Clara’s journey is not just a fight for answers but also a testament to her strength and belief. This underlying theme of faith adds a profound dimension to the thriller, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate Christian fiction.
If you’re looking for a book that combines suspense, mystery, and faith, look no further than “Forgotten Secret” by S.F. Baumgartner. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and relentless pace, it’s a novel that promises to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Make sure to start with the first book in the Mirror Estate series to appreciate this thrilling sequel's richness fully.
I wholeheartedly recommend “Forgotten Secret” to anyone who enjoys Christian suspense thrillers. Baumgartner’s storytelling will capture your imagination and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Mirror Estate series. Dive into the mystery, embrace the suspense, and uncover the secrets hidden within these pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2024
Review of Advance Review Copy
Twenty years ago, a young woman awoke in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she’d ended up there. The doctors tell her she’s been shot and has been in a coma for ten days; she has no memory of being shot, cannot even remember her name. A memory from long ago reveals her name . . . Clara . . . but every other memory is lost to her.
Today, married to Michael Khoury, one of the doctors who cared for her, Clara has forged a life for herself. Her memory has never returned. Settled in Florida, the Khoury family includes their son, Jason, and their daughter, Faith.
When a news report of the discovery of a body hidden in the walls of an office complex being demolished names the victim as Linda Boroski, Clara feels certain the name and image seem familiar. Determined to learn more about the young woman, Clara sets out to write an investigative article. She’s certain this woman somehow holds a key to her own forgotten memory.
But Clara’s investigation may lead to something others will kill to keep hidden.
========
“Forgotten Secret” is the second book in the author’s Mirror Estate series. Although the story works well as a standalone, the author includes recaps of both the prequel, “Buried Secrets,” and the first book, ‘Living Secrets,” both of which introduce the reader to the main characters in the series and provide basic background information. Readers new to the series are sure to appreciate this thoughtful inclusion.
Told from several points of view, at times the story seems to jump a bit, but the disparate pieces come together as secrets are slowly revealed. The narrative’s unpredictability is one of the strong points in the telling of this unputdownable tale.
Strong, well-developed characters and a twisty plot keep the reader involved in the telling of the tale as the suspense builds. The unfolding narrative ties up several plot points, and leads to the denouement that readers are expecting. But readers should be forewarned: there is definitely a cliffhanger ending here [hopefully addressed in the next book in the series].
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Twenty years ago, a young woman awoke in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she’d ended up there. The doctors tell her she’s been shot and has been in a coma for ten days; she has no memory of being shot, cannot even remember her name. A memory from long ago reveals her name . . . Clara . . . but every other memory is lost to her.
Today, married to Michael Khoury, one of the doctors who cared for her, Clara has forged a life for herself. Her memory has never returned. Settled in Florida, the Khoury family includes their son, Jason, and their daughter, Faith.
When a news report of the discovery of a body hidden in the walls of an office complex being demolished names the victim as Linda Boroski, Clara feels certain the name and image seem familiar. Determined to learn more about the young woman, Clara sets out to write an investigative article. She’s certain this woman somehow holds a key to her own forgotten memory.
But Clara’s investigation may lead to something others will kill to keep hidden.
========
“Forgotten Secret” is the second book in the author’s Mirror Estate series. Although the story works well as a standalone, the author includes recaps of both the prequel, “Buried Secrets,” and the first book, ‘Living Secrets,” both of which introduce the reader to the main characters in the series and provide basic background information. Readers new to the series are sure to appreciate this thoughtful inclusion.
Told from several points of view, at times the story seems to jump a bit, but the disparate pieces come together as secrets are slowly revealed. The narrative’s unpredictability is one of the strong points in the telling of this unputdownable tale.
Strong, well-developed characters and a twisty plot keep the reader involved in the telling of the tale as the suspense builds. The unfolding narrative ties up several plot points, and leads to the denouement that readers are expecting. But readers should be forewarned: there is definitely a cliffhanger ending here [hopefully addressed in the next book in the series].
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2023
While this is the second book in the series (third, if you count the novella), I was told that it was a standalone novel. I have not read the previous books. I'm not sure if this was just included as part of the ARC that I got or if it will be included in the regular version of the book, but there was a small recap of the previous two stories at the beginning of this book. Through that and some of the clues included in the text, I was able to mostly catch on to what happened in the previous stories. With that in mind, I definitely feel like the story would have made more sense if I had read the previous books. I would recommend reading them first.
This book follows a variety of viewpoints. If you don't like that type of book, I'd recommend passing on this book. The multiple viewpoints left me confused at times. There are a lot of people to try to connect together. Again, I think reading the previous books would have made it easier to make these connections.
For me, there were just a few too many confusing parts where I had go back and reread something or recheck the link between characters. Some of that might be because I hadn't read the previous stories. Some of it, though, was due to the book not quite being 5-star polished yet.
This is a clean novel. There's no swearing. There's no sexual content. The violence is behind the scenes. There is some talk of human trafficking, but the author doesn't go into detail with that. I'm going to say that this book is mildly Christian. That's about the best way that I can explain it. There is talk of going to church and people praying for their own safety or the safety of others. Overall, though, I feel like the Christian themes are so minor that even someone who doesn't believe in God could enjoy this book without feeling like someone's preaching to them.
As I mentioned earlier, I got an ARC of this book through BookSirens. I am leaving a voluntary review.
This book follows a variety of viewpoints. If you don't like that type of book, I'd recommend passing on this book. The multiple viewpoints left me confused at times. There are a lot of people to try to connect together. Again, I think reading the previous books would have made it easier to make these connections.
For me, there were just a few too many confusing parts where I had go back and reread something or recheck the link between characters. Some of that might be because I hadn't read the previous stories. Some of it, though, was due to the book not quite being 5-star polished yet.
This is a clean novel. There's no swearing. There's no sexual content. The violence is behind the scenes. There is some talk of human trafficking, but the author doesn't go into detail with that. I'm going to say that this book is mildly Christian. That's about the best way that I can explain it. There is talk of going to church and people praying for their own safety or the safety of others. Overall, though, I feel like the Christian themes are so minor that even someone who doesn't believe in God could enjoy this book without feeling like someone's preaching to them.
As I mentioned earlier, I got an ARC of this book through BookSirens. I am leaving a voluntary review.
April 14, 2024
The second book in the series introduces us to Clara, Michael and his brother. Clara was discovered by Michael and his brother having been shot and having a head wound. The brothers were able to bring her to the hospital and then transport her to another facility that could handle the wound. As it turned out. Michael was a neurologist and was treating her. As the story progresses, Michael and Clara have now married and had two children and are now living in Orlando. Michael has a new position and Clara writes columns. Eventually Clara meets Dylan and Tommy when they were in a meeting. While there, Clara was outside walking in a daze so Dylan contacted Lily to talk to her to quiet her down. After she calmed down, Clara fainted.
This will later play a role as Clara's memory is slowly coming back and certain people are worried what she might remember about the incident. Because of events happening in Clara and Michael's life, a police detective suspects Michael of attempting to kill Clara. In addition, Faith , their daughter is taken and in a roundabout way the task force becomes involved. As you remember from the last book, the Ghost is now in prison and wants to meet with Olivia to make a deal. In this deal, the Ghost wants to live at Mirror Estate and in return she will provide information to bring individuals in her organization down.
The information the Ghost provided created a major takedown and indirectly solved what happened to Clara twenty years earlier and who was the party responsible.
This is another great story in the series and you should definitely read it.
To be sure, you will want to read the books in order. The stories revert to what was portrayed in the earlier book.
This will later play a role as Clara's memory is slowly coming back and certain people are worried what she might remember about the incident. Because of events happening in Clara and Michael's life, a police detective suspects Michael of attempting to kill Clara. In addition, Faith , their daughter is taken and in a roundabout way the task force becomes involved. As you remember from the last book, the Ghost is now in prison and wants to meet with Olivia to make a deal. In this deal, the Ghost wants to live at Mirror Estate and in return she will provide information to bring individuals in her organization down.
The information the Ghost provided created a major takedown and indirectly solved what happened to Clara twenty years earlier and who was the party responsible.
This is another great story in the series and you should definitely read it.
To be sure, you will want to read the books in order. The stories revert to what was portrayed in the earlier book.
May 29, 2024
So much suspense! This book is just fraught with it. There’s the normal suspense but then there comes another level when our main character’s daughter is abducted. Woah. Suspense. But also I couldn’t read it before bed because then I was having dreams that my child/children were being abducted and well that was not good.
This is book two in a series. Please read them in order as the series is intended to be read this way. And there are more books to come!
I find myself wanting to know everything about Clara and her past. She doesn’t have memories of most and so as you go through the book you’re learning along with her. But she’s got a good life now and I loved reading about that as well. Well, except for the daughter getting abducted.
THERE IS AN AMAZING PLOT IN THIS BOOK.
You’ve got the good and the evil within the characters. There is so much going on in this novel. But I can’t tell you too much or I’ll not be able to stop and well, I don’t want to give it all away.
The characters really draw you in and won’t let you go. Let’s just leave this with saying it ends on a cliffhanger and you’re left in suspense. Not nice of the author as I have to wait for the next novel.
But here goes. A woman’s body is found within a wall. This triggers some memories for Clara and puts her and her family in danger. Read to book to find out what happens!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is book two in a series. Please read them in order as the series is intended to be read this way. And there are more books to come!
I find myself wanting to know everything about Clara and her past. She doesn’t have memories of most and so as you go through the book you’re learning along with her. But she’s got a good life now and I loved reading about that as well. Well, except for the daughter getting abducted.
THERE IS AN AMAZING PLOT IN THIS BOOK.
You’ve got the good and the evil within the characters. There is so much going on in this novel. But I can’t tell you too much or I’ll not be able to stop and well, I don’t want to give it all away.
The characters really draw you in and won’t let you go. Let’s just leave this with saying it ends on a cliffhanger and you’re left in suspense. Not nice of the author as I have to wait for the next novel.
But here goes. A woman’s body is found within a wall. This triggers some memories for Clara and puts her and her family in danger. Read to book to find out what happens!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 16, 2024
Forgotten Secret , Mirror Estate Book 2 by S.F Baumgartner
This is a kind of crime thriller which one comes across rarely. The perfect amount of suspense , thriller , mystery added together to create a complex multi layered and multi faceted crime web.
The story starts with Clara Khoury who has been living a life without her past memories having lost them in an accident. Then there is Olivia , a former federal agent with multiple aliases who kind of retired from active service. There are their spouses , children, several other FBI agents and a character Marge Beaumont aka Ghost who is a criminal mastermind.
The story brings them all together in a series of instances which merge together effortlessly. The multitude of characters is not overwhelming. The narration hops from one character's POV to another seamlessly. The flow of the thriller is not obstructed at all.
The story is led by strong female characters with impressive personality traits which makes it even more captivating. Both Clara and Olivia as well as their daughters Faith and Lily respectively have been shown as strong women with significant character growth.
The story is narrated in short chapters each ending with a cliffhanger or suspense. The mystery is well maintained till the end where the events detangle to reveal the relation of events that happened with Clara twenty years ago to the occurrences of the present. No where does the story digress or slow down. Even if you have not read the first part , it has a well described introduction providing all the information you need.
This is a kind of crime thriller which one comes across rarely. The perfect amount of suspense , thriller , mystery added together to create a complex multi layered and multi faceted crime web.
The story starts with Clara Khoury who has been living a life without her past memories having lost them in an accident. Then there is Olivia , a former federal agent with multiple aliases who kind of retired from active service. There are their spouses , children, several other FBI agents and a character Marge Beaumont aka Ghost who is a criminal mastermind.
The story brings them all together in a series of instances which merge together effortlessly. The multitude of characters is not overwhelming. The narration hops from one character's POV to another seamlessly. The flow of the thriller is not obstructed at all.
The story is led by strong female characters with impressive personality traits which makes it even more captivating. Both Clara and Olivia as well as their daughters Faith and Lily respectively have been shown as strong women with significant character growth.
The story is narrated in short chapters each ending with a cliffhanger or suspense. The mystery is well maintained till the end where the events detangle to reveal the relation of events that happened with Clara twenty years ago to the occurrences of the present. No where does the story digress or slow down. Even if you have not read the first part , it has a well described introduction providing all the information you need.
May 21, 2024
What an exciting suspenseful and plenty of plot twists this story offers. I wasn’t quite sure who to trust as Clara tries to regain her memory. Being shot and losing your memory for years puts Clara in a quest to find out the truth. Her husband is a renowned neurosurgeon who has been by her side since the day she came to the hospital critically injured.
I followed the story closely and began to try to figure out who was involved with the plot to kill Clara. Buried in the story is an evil human trafficking scheme that becomes center stage. The tragedy of this topic is that it is very difficult to stop. We lose many children and young people to this evil scheme every day.
The story takes on criminals with sinister plots in their minds. There are several characters in the book who I didn’t suspect were involved in anything but slowly the evidence starts stacking up against them. I like Clara’s husband and how he has protected her all these years.
The author delivers a story that not only keeps readers guessing but shows how sometimes we don’t really know people like we think we do. The author seems to bring the puzzle together and draw the story to an end, however we read the final page and find ourselves with a cliff hanger. I’m excited to read the next in this suspense filled series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I followed the story closely and began to try to figure out who was involved with the plot to kill Clara. Buried in the story is an evil human trafficking scheme that becomes center stage. The tragedy of this topic is that it is very difficult to stop. We lose many children and young people to this evil scheme every day.
The story takes on criminals with sinister plots in their minds. There are several characters in the book who I didn’t suspect were involved in anything but slowly the evidence starts stacking up against them. I like Clara’s husband and how he has protected her all these years.
The author delivers a story that not only keeps readers guessing but shows how sometimes we don’t really know people like we think we do. The author seems to bring the puzzle together and draw the story to an end, however we read the final page and find ourselves with a cliff hanger. I’m excited to read the next in this suspense filled series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 27, 2024
This is the first book I've read by S.F. Baumgartner, and I have to say, it was a thrilling ride from start to finish. The story follows Clara Khoury, a 44-year-old magazine writer who has lived with gaps in her memory for twenty years. When the remains of a young woman are found, Clara is triggered to investigate, diving into a disturbing past she can barely remember.
The plot really grabs you. Clara's journey to uncover the truth is intense, especially as her past starts to threaten her present life. Someone frames her husband, and their daughter gets abducted, adding to the suspense. The stakes are high, and Baumgartner does a great job of keeping the tension up throughout the book.
Clara is a well-written character. You feel her desperation and determination as she tries to piece together her shattered memories. Her struggle to remember is the key to solving the crimes, both past and present. The book makes you root for her as she fights to protect her family.
The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. If you like mystery and suspense, Forgotten Secret is definitely worth reading. It's a gripping story about how our past can come back to haunt us and what we’re willing to do to save the ones we love.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
The plot really grabs you. Clara's journey to uncover the truth is intense, especially as her past starts to threaten her present life. Someone frames her husband, and their daughter gets abducted, adding to the suspense. The stakes are high, and Baumgartner does a great job of keeping the tension up throughout the book.
Clara is a well-written character. You feel her desperation and determination as she tries to piece together her shattered memories. Her struggle to remember is the key to solving the crimes, both past and present. The book makes you root for her as she fights to protect her family.
The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. If you like mystery and suspense, Forgotten Secret is definitely worth reading. It's a gripping story about how our past can come back to haunt us and what we’re willing to do to save the ones we love.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
January 4, 2024
Clara Khoury woke up in a hospital bed two decades ago with no memory of who she was or where she came from. She did remember her first name was Clara, but other than remembering her name, she has not recovered any memories of her life. She is now 44 years old and is married to Dr. Michael Khoury with two children. When she sees a news report about a body being found in a wall, the name of the victim sounds familiar to Clara. She starts remembering things that happened in her past, but she still does not know her name. The repressed memories coming to the surface have stirred someone up. Someone does not want her to remember and will stop at nothing to protect their name.
There are several other back stories going on as well, but Clara's story is the main story in this installment. You can read this as a standalone. However, I would recommend that you read the prequel and book #1 so you can fully grasp each character's story and the family dynamics. I always feel the books in this series are a good versus evil story. The mystery and intrigue will build until the final pages where we are once again left with a cliffhanger preparing us for the next book in this series. If you enjoy mystery, suspense and the world of spy games, you will enjoy this book and this series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are several other back stories going on as well, but Clara's story is the main story in this installment. You can read this as a standalone. However, I would recommend that you read the prequel and book #1 so you can fully grasp each character's story and the family dynamics. I always feel the books in this series are a good versus evil story. The mystery and intrigue will build until the final pages where we are once again left with a cliffhanger preparing us for the next book in this series. If you enjoy mystery, suspense and the world of spy games, you will enjoy this book and this series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2024
Forgotten secrets #2 in the Mirror Estates series Is yet one more sensational read That'll keep you captivated from the time you start with page one.
Clara Khoury is in the center of this captivating thriller dealing with the loss of memory for more than 20 years. She is happily married to Michael (Who oddly enough was 1 of the men who found her 20 yrs prior) with 2 lovely children.
Her memory is jarred by the discovery of a woman's body, and she's overcome with memories of things that she has no idea where they are coming from. I quickly found myself bonding with Clara because of her extreme dedication and determination to ensure her family managed to stay together safely.
Dylan, Olivia, Simon Lilly, and Ron all have plenty of parts to play in keeping this story fast-paced and brutally mysterious.
There is an FBI investigation into the underworld of human trafficking with a young undercover agent who puts her life on the line to help save a large group of young women being held for auction.
You need to pay close attention throughout the story. As not to get sidetracked by all the different pov's, but I have no doubt you will be as enthralled, as I was till the last words leave you anxiously waiting for the next book.
Happy Reading 📚
#mysteryseries # Psychologicalthriller #christianauthor
Clara Khoury is in the center of this captivating thriller dealing with the loss of memory for more than 20 years. She is happily married to Michael (Who oddly enough was 1 of the men who found her 20 yrs prior) with 2 lovely children.
Her memory is jarred by the discovery of a woman's body, and she's overcome with memories of things that she has no idea where they are coming from. I quickly found myself bonding with Clara because of her extreme dedication and determination to ensure her family managed to stay together safely.
Dylan, Olivia, Simon Lilly, and Ron all have plenty of parts to play in keeping this story fast-paced and brutally mysterious.
There is an FBI investigation into the underworld of human trafficking with a young undercover agent who puts her life on the line to help save a large group of young women being held for auction.
You need to pay close attention throughout the story. As not to get sidetracked by all the different pov's, but I have no doubt you will be as enthralled, as I was till the last words leave you anxiously waiting for the next book.
Happy Reading 📚
#mysteryseries # Psychologicalthriller #christianauthor
May 25, 2024
"Forgotten Secret" by S.F. Baumgartner is a gripping tale that will keep you eagerly turning each page. With numerous unexpected twists and turns, the story constantly defies expectations. Baumgartner skillfully keeps readers guessing throughout.
The main character is a magazine writer who feels like she should remember certain things, but can't quite recall them. However, when she comes across a name in the news, it triggers something in her memory, leading her on a quest to uncover the missing pieces.
The book delves into the heavy and tragic issue of human trafficking. While the author doesn't shy away from this topic, she approaches it with sensitivity, mindful of not causing trauma to survivors or those passionate about eradicating this crime against God and humanity.
Packed with thrilling mystery and excitement, this book is sure to keep you up at night, eager to consume every last word before reaching the end. It appears that another book in the series is on the horizon, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading it as well. This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was amazing. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
The main character is a magazine writer who feels like she should remember certain things, but can't quite recall them. However, when she comes across a name in the news, it triggers something in her memory, leading her on a quest to uncover the missing pieces.
The book delves into the heavy and tragic issue of human trafficking. While the author doesn't shy away from this topic, she approaches it with sensitivity, mindful of not causing trauma to survivors or those passionate about eradicating this crime against God and humanity.
Packed with thrilling mystery and excitement, this book is sure to keep you up at night, eager to consume every last word before reaching the end. It appears that another book in the series is on the horizon, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading it as well. This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was amazing. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
May 27, 2024
Christian Suspense novels are a genre I have really come to enjoy over the last couple of years. Forgotten Secret: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by S.F. Baumgartner is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Mirror Estate series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but this book seems to read well as a Stand Alone book.
The storyline starts out STRONG and it captivated me from the very beginning. I was very intrigued by the main character, Clara Khoury, who had been living with memory loss for over 2 decades. The finding of a woman's body triggers her to remember her past and sends her life spiriling downward. She wants to investigate the finding of the body and how the woman might have something to do with her past. She really struggles when her daughter is kidnapped and her husband is being framed. I really LOVE the determination of Clara throughout the book to save her family and recover from the memory loss. The characters in this book have a strong faith and rely on God to help them through the struggles. There are so many twists and turns in the storyline. The author ends the book with a BIG Cliffhanger, so now I anxiously await the next book! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Novels. FANTASTIC BOOK!
The storyline starts out STRONG and it captivated me from the very beginning. I was very intrigued by the main character, Clara Khoury, who had been living with memory loss for over 2 decades. The finding of a woman's body triggers her to remember her past and sends her life spiriling downward. She wants to investigate the finding of the body and how the woman might have something to do with her past. She really struggles when her daughter is kidnapped and her husband is being framed. I really LOVE the determination of Clara throughout the book to save her family and recover from the memory loss. The characters in this book have a strong faith and rely on God to help them through the struggles. There are so many twists and turns in the storyline. The author ends the book with a BIG Cliffhanger, so now I anxiously await the next book! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Novels. FANTASTIC BOOK!
April 5, 2024
A great story; exciting and unpredictable.
The story revolves around Eva who has lost her memory from the moment she was found. She was admitted to a hospital with gunshot wounds where she met her future husband.
Now, more than 20 years later, she has moments in het live where she wonders who she is - or was - but lives a happy life with her husband and 2 children.
In addition to Eva's story, there is a second storyline that is discussed in an earlier part. Although I didn't miss it when I read this part, I think it would have been smarter if I had read part 1 because the book ends with a cliffhanger.
Back to Eva's story.
After her memories are triggered by the name of a woman who is found dead in a house (a corpse of more than 20 years old), she starts investigating. She could not have imagined that she would wake up sleeping dogs and thus endanger her own life again.
A wonderfully well-written story where the story that runs alongside it also triggers you to want to read part 1 AND part 3!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story revolves around Eva who has lost her memory from the moment she was found. She was admitted to a hospital with gunshot wounds where she met her future husband.
Now, more than 20 years later, she has moments in het live where she wonders who she is - or was - but lives a happy life with her husband and 2 children.
In addition to Eva's story, there is a second storyline that is discussed in an earlier part. Although I didn't miss it when I read this part, I think it would have been smarter if I had read part 1 because the book ends with a cliffhanger.
Back to Eva's story.
After her memories are triggered by the name of a woman who is found dead in a house (a corpse of more than 20 years old), she starts investigating. She could not have imagined that she would wake up sleeping dogs and thus endanger her own life again.
A wonderfully well-written story where the story that runs alongside it also triggers you to want to read part 1 AND part 3!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2024
After having read the prequel to this trilogy and then the first couple of books of the series I can tell I have really enjoyed the journey. S.F. Baumgartner introduces a new set of characters (Clara, Faith, Eva, and Michael) who are not only somehow linked to Olivia (especially Clara), but who also play an important part in the development of the plot.
There are still many secrets to be unveiled and it seems that Dylan and his aunt (The Ghost) are still key characters of the upcoming sequel, but it seems that only with the help of Olivia, Lily, Kyle, Ron and Ron's team we'll actually be able to find out the answers to the questions we may be asking ourselves.
If you haven't yet read any of Ms. Baumgartner's previous books, I think it's high time you did it!
All in all, quite an enjoyable experience! If you're into psychological suspense thrillers, then this is definitely a must read for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are still many secrets to be unveiled and it seems that Dylan and his aunt (The Ghost) are still key characters of the upcoming sequel, but it seems that only with the help of Olivia, Lily, Kyle, Ron and Ron's team we'll actually be able to find out the answers to the questions we may be asking ourselves.
If you haven't yet read any of Ms. Baumgartner's previous books, I think it's high time you did it!
All in all, quite an enjoyable experience! If you're into psychological suspense thrillers, then this is definitely a must read for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2024
My first ever @sfbaumgartner read, and I am in love with her writing!
Forgotten Secret is the second book in the Mirror Estate series! I honestly believe reading the first one would have helped with the first part of the story line. Reading it would be beneficial.
This Christian based thriller, had so many excellent mysteries that at times it was hard to keep up. Thank goodness for the character chart, have I mentioned how much I LOVE character charts, family trees, maps!!! I was very thankful for it.
The many different stories all tied in together, but left us on a nice cliff hanger for book 3! So definitely expect the unexpected! I can NOT wait!
If you love suspense, and clean writing, you will love this! A must read!
QOTD⁉️What is your favorite genre to read?
#mustreadauthor #bookstagramfriends #mustread #readthisnow #booknerd #bookrec #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookpicture #bookstagramfriends #bookstagram #lovetoread #bookrecomendations #crystalslittlelibrary #crystalslittlelibraryarc #christiansuspensenovel #forgottensecret
Forgotten Secret is the second book in the Mirror Estate series! I honestly believe reading the first one would have helped with the first part of the story line. Reading it would be beneficial.
This Christian based thriller, had so many excellent mysteries that at times it was hard to keep up. Thank goodness for the character chart, have I mentioned how much I LOVE character charts, family trees, maps!!! I was very thankful for it.
The many different stories all tied in together, but left us on a nice cliff hanger for book 3! So definitely expect the unexpected! I can NOT wait!
If you love suspense, and clean writing, you will love this! A must read!
QOTD⁉️What is your favorite genre to read?
#mustreadauthor #bookstagramfriends #mustread #readthisnow #booknerd #bookrec #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookpicture #bookstagramfriends #bookstagram #lovetoread #bookrecomendations #crystalslittlelibrary #crystalslittlelibraryarc #christiansuspensenovel #forgottensecret
January 29, 2024
I received Forgotten Secret for free through a LibraryThing giveaway. The following is my honest review.
The plot and overall story were fantastic. I love a good amnesia story and this book delivered. I loved the relationships between the characters, especially Clara and her husband as well as the suspense. The ending nicely wrapped up some of the storylines while leaving opportunity for a third novel.
I was thankful for the relationship chart at the beginning since I frequently had to refer to it to keep all of the characters straight. I should have read the first book in the series before starting this one because I was lost at times. I think focusing more on Clara as the main character would have made it easier to read. It felt like we were following too many people around.
I may go back and read the first book in the series, and I definitely plan on reading more from this author. A well-deserved 4 stars.
The plot and overall story were fantastic. I love a good amnesia story and this book delivered. I loved the relationships between the characters, especially Clara and her husband as well as the suspense. The ending nicely wrapped up some of the storylines while leaving opportunity for a third novel.
I was thankful for the relationship chart at the beginning since I frequently had to refer to it to keep all of the characters straight. I should have read the first book in the series before starting this one because I was lost at times. I think focusing more on Clara as the main character would have made it easier to read. It felt like we were following too many people around.
I may go back and read the first book in the series, and I definitely plan on reading more from this author. A well-deserved 4 stars.
May 16, 2024
This heart-throbbing suspense is filled with hidden and forgotten secrets, as the title indicates. Even if you haven’t read the previous dramatic novel in this series, this compelling book will grab your attention and keep you engrossed as you experience the thrilling drama and the suspense the characters face. But the series is best read in order for maximum enjoyment. The exciting plot races across the pages at a rapid pace, and the realistic characters and the trials and reactions they experience keep the reader engaged. I like the way the author wove crimes and situations from the past into the present-day story, along with unexpected plot twists and surprises that keep the reader guessing and the tension increasing. The mysterious tale also includes international intrigue and danger. The novel holds plenty for a book club to discuss. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2024
Psychological thriller, mystery, suspense....grabs you and doesn't let go! I found myself completely immersed in the story, wanting to talk to the characters and tell them what I knew. In action scenes I even started reading faster. Lol
It is also a sad reminder of the horrors of the slave trade and a small peek into how it's sunshine supported.
When I think of the slave trade I think of seedy criminals and mafia types. But those guys wouldn't be in business without their customers, who quite often are people of wealth and influence who think they are above the law. The victims have no recourse.
Also, they are not always kidnapped. Many are lured from lives of poverty with promises of an education and/or paying jobs. Then they are straddled with an enormous debt they can never pay off.
It is also a sad reminder of the horrors of the slave trade and a small peek into how it's sunshine supported.
When I think of the slave trade I think of seedy criminals and mafia types. But those guys wouldn't be in business without their customers, who quite often are people of wealth and influence who think they are above the law. The victims have no recourse.
Also, they are not always kidnapped. Many are lured from lives of poverty with promises of an education and/or paying jobs. Then they are straddled with an enormous debt they can never pay off.
June 5, 2024
I tried this book because of an Amazon recommendation and the reviews seemed OK. Narrator: it was not OK.
The key plot device is the very tired trope of: person with amnesia starts a new life, memories and old life subsequently catch up with her. That would be fine if done well. It was not done well. The writing style is beyond terrible. I initially thought it must be AI generated, but it's honestly hard to believe that even an AI would produce something so poorly structured. Many of the sentences are awkwardly constructed and require several passes to decode the meaning. Paragraphs are frequently just a collection of unrelated sentences. Most of the dialog is just poorly disguised exposition.
I really can't stress enough how bad this is. If you decide to read it anyway, be warned - it ends with a cliffhanger to lead into the next "book" in the series.
The key plot device is the very tired trope of: person with amnesia starts a new life, memories and old life subsequently catch up with her. That would be fine if done well. It was not done well. The writing style is beyond terrible. I initially thought it must be AI generated, but it's honestly hard to believe that even an AI would produce something so poorly structured. Many of the sentences are awkwardly constructed and require several passes to decode the meaning. Paragraphs are frequently just a collection of unrelated sentences. Most of the dialog is just poorly disguised exposition.
I really can't stress enough how bad this is. If you decide to read it anyway, be warned - it ends with a cliffhanger to lead into the next "book" in the series.
January 10, 2025
The second installment in the Mirror Estate series, this book had a powerful opening. The author's writing style has evolved, while retaining her signature style of non-stop action with fast-paced chapters that gripped me from the start. There were many intertwining connections, it read partly as a thriller and partly as a family drama. Enjoyable and had me hooked!
My favorite quote came from Rook, the minion of the nefarious female villain of the series, the Ghost: "This was why he worked for the Ghost...nothing beat making men who thought they owned the world squirm...In their world of shadows and secrets, perception was often stronger than reality. And the Ghost? She always got what she wanted."
If you want a suspenseful, action-filled book delving into the dark world of human trafficking, set around Christmas time, look no further!
My favorite quote came from Rook, the minion of the nefarious female villain of the series, the Ghost: "This was why he worked for the Ghost...nothing beat making men who thought they owned the world squirm...In their world of shadows and secrets, perception was often stronger than reality. And the Ghost? She always got what she wanted."
If you want a suspenseful, action-filled book delving into the dark world of human trafficking, set around Christmas time, look no further!
February 19, 2024
I received this as an early reviewer. Unfortunately I didn’t notice this was book 2 when I requested it. Therefore I was a bit lost at times as I read the book. It had some back story and a chart to help but I definitely would have benefited from reading the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed the plot line and fact it is a clean read. I often had to refer back to earlier pages or the chart however to keep people straight. Not sure if it was the host of characters involved or if it would have been easier to feel like I knew them all better if I would have read book 1 or the prequel. That said I like the way the author writes and will go back and read the other books in the series. Definitely think the series should probably be read in order.
May 18, 2024
copy!
I suggest reading this series of books in order. Clara is married to the dr who helped heal her after she was found after a gunshot but can’t remember what happened. The characters from the first book is back. Clara is starting to remember things like a woman’s name and she learns her last name. There is danger aplenty in this book.There are several plots twists in this book. I recommend this book for readers that likes a mystery without a lot of violence in details. I kept guessing who was the bad guy but was wrong every time till the end. This book deals mostly with human trafficking. I can’t wait to read the next book to see if questions I have or answered.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About
I suggest reading this series of books in order. Clara is married to the dr who helped heal her after she was found after a gunshot but can’t remember what happened. The characters from the first book is back. Clara is starting to remember things like a woman’s name and she learns her last name. There is danger aplenty in this book.There are several plots twists in this book. I recommend this book for readers that likes a mystery without a lot of violence in details. I kept guessing who was the bad guy but was wrong every time till the end. This book deals mostly with human trafficking. I can’t wait to read the next book to see if questions I have or answered.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About
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