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Family Secrets
Alexis has had big dreams all her life, and she’s worked hard to make them happen! After college she married and had a beautiful baby boy, living her dream as “Mommy” until Colton was safely entrenched in grade school. She lands her dream job at NASA, and her supportive husband, Jay, takes the lead on raising their son. The perfect family, right?
Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.
Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.
“Family Secrets” crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?
Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.
Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.
“Family Secrets” crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?
- GenresFiction
465 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2014
7 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Donna M. Zadunajsky
23 books380 followersDonna M. Zadunajsky started out writing children’s books before she accomplished and published her first novel, Broken Promises, in June 2012. She since has written several more novels and her first novella, HELP ME! Book 1 in the series, which is about teen suicide and bullying.
HELP ME!, won Awards in:
The Great Northwest Book Festival-Winner
Global EBook Awards- Gold Medal Winner
The Great Southeast Book Festival-Winner
IPA Award- Winner in Grief Category
Reader Views Awards- In 3 different categories:
*Children-Teen 12-16 year olds
*Children-Young Adult 16-18 years old
*Best Teen/YA Book of the Year
eLit Awards- Silver Winner
Talk To Me, Book 2 was a Finalist in the Author U unpublished contest, 2016.
IPA Award- Winner in Death and Dying
The author is available for speaking on the matters of teen suicide, bullying and for author events.
HELP ME!, won Awards in:
The Great Northwest Book Festival-Winner
Global EBook Awards- Gold Medal Winner
The Great Southeast Book Festival-Winner
IPA Award- Winner in Grief Category
Reader Views Awards- In 3 different categories:
*Children-Teen 12-16 year olds
*Children-Young Adult 16-18 years old
*Best Teen/YA Book of the Year
eLit Awards- Silver Winner
Talk To Me, Book 2 was a Finalist in the Author U unpublished contest, 2016.
IPA Award- Winner in Death and Dying
The author is available for speaking on the matters of teen suicide, bullying and for author events.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 26, 2015
“This is part of what a family is about, not just love. It's knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame. Not work.”
---- Mitch Albom, an author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician
Donna M. Zadunajsky's, an American author, new book, Family Secrets delves deep into the puddles of secrets that shatters the lives of a family.
Synopsis:
Alexis has had big dreams all her life, and she’s worked hard to make them happen! After college she married and had a beautiful baby boy, living her dream as “Mommy” until Colton was safely entrenched in grade school. She lands her dream job at NASA, and her supportive husband, Jay, takes the lead on raising their son. The perfect family, right?
Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.
Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.
“Family Secrets” crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?
It's a nice little heart-touching story which centers around a NASA scientist, Alexis, who has recently been diagnosed with Cancer. She has a difficult relationship with her only teenage son, Colton, since he blames her for his father's suicide. But when the secrets started unrolling in front of Alexis, it seemed difficult for Alexis to keep on moving forward with hope.
The writing is good, and the pace is perfect for this family drama fiction. And the author have addressed all the sensitive family issues with enough compassion. I liked how the author molded her plot with emotion and depth. Moreover, mystery starts to spill when Colton believes that there is foul play in his father's death, so that shift from an emotional journey to a suspense-full ride was skillfully handled by the author.
The characters are all well developed and the author portrays their demeanor really smartly by reflecting the sense of loss of somebody close in their every act and move. Especially, it's very easy to contemplate with Alexis's character- the inner pain as well as her body pain, to the loss of her husband and the distant relationship with her son. The narration is pretty articulate to keep us going till the very end.
Flaws like some descriptions about what happens with a Cancer patient are wrong, moreover, it took time for me to accept the truth with Alexis's husband's death. Overall, it's an entertaining and engaging book.
Verdict: Recommended to those who enjoy a multi-layered family drama.
Courtesy: I received this book for a blog tour.
---- Mitch Albom, an author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician
Donna M. Zadunajsky's, an American author, new book, Family Secrets delves deep into the puddles of secrets that shatters the lives of a family.
Synopsis:
Alexis has had big dreams all her life, and she’s worked hard to make them happen! After college she married and had a beautiful baby boy, living her dream as “Mommy” until Colton was safely entrenched in grade school. She lands her dream job at NASA, and her supportive husband, Jay, takes the lead on raising their son. The perfect family, right?
Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.
Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.
“Family Secrets” crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?
It's a nice little heart-touching story which centers around a NASA scientist, Alexis, who has recently been diagnosed with Cancer. She has a difficult relationship with her only teenage son, Colton, since he blames her for his father's suicide. But when the secrets started unrolling in front of Alexis, it seemed difficult for Alexis to keep on moving forward with hope.
The writing is good, and the pace is perfect for this family drama fiction. And the author have addressed all the sensitive family issues with enough compassion. I liked how the author molded her plot with emotion and depth. Moreover, mystery starts to spill when Colton believes that there is foul play in his father's death, so that shift from an emotional journey to a suspense-full ride was skillfully handled by the author.
The characters are all well developed and the author portrays their demeanor really smartly by reflecting the sense of loss of somebody close in their every act and move. Especially, it's very easy to contemplate with Alexis's character- the inner pain as well as her body pain, to the loss of her husband and the distant relationship with her son. The narration is pretty articulate to keep us going till the very end.
Flaws like some descriptions about what happens with a Cancer patient are wrong, moreover, it took time for me to accept the truth with Alexis's husband's death. Overall, it's an entertaining and engaging book.
Verdict: Recommended to those who enjoy a multi-layered family drama.
Courtesy: I received this book for a blog tour.
March 30, 2015
This was a really good well written contemporary women's fiction with mystery and suspense weaved through it.
My heart went out to Alexis. So many obstacles to overcome. Her son Colton blames her for her fathers suicide. She realises that she has put her work before her son too many times. While fighting breast cancer she tries to build a relationship with her son. Unbeknown to her Colton is trying to figure out what happened his father.
A story action packed with family drama with plenty of twists and turns that kept me gripped.
My heart went out to Alexis. So many obstacles to overcome. Her son Colton blames her for her fathers suicide. She realises that she has put her work before her son too many times. While fighting breast cancer she tries to build a relationship with her son. Unbeknown to her Colton is trying to figure out what happened his father.
A story action packed with family drama with plenty of twists and turns that kept me gripped.
February 18, 2015
I could not put this book down. Donna Zadunajsky knows just how to write a story that has the reader in a hurry to get to the next page. I loved the concept of this story. It just goes to show that all families usually have a secret or two in them and the impact these secrets can have on the whole family. Of course, not all secrets are as big as the ones in this story.
I felt the most for Colton. He is essentially a teenager that has been raising himself, and then all of a sudden, his mom wants to be his mom. When the secrets come out, it will change everything and put lives on the line.
I give this book 5 stars because it covers more than just one concept. It will have you feeling several different emotions while reading it.
I felt the most for Colton. He is essentially a teenager that has been raising himself, and then all of a sudden, his mom wants to be his mom. When the secrets come out, it will change everything and put lives on the line.
I give this book 5 stars because it covers more than just one concept. It will have you feeling several different emotions while reading it.
February 21, 2015
I didn't realize Family Secrets by Donna M. Zadunajsky was book one of a series (Secrets and Second Chances Series) and it is a good thing because I wouldn't have wanted to read it and would have missed this fantastic story. I am not sure what genre to even put it in it is part fiction but part is based on real people. It is a mystery, detective, suspense, and more plus it is just so addicting, I couldn't put it down.
The main characters in the story are well developed and there is just no way to read this and not 'feel' something for them. I know I could relate and connected with them both; Alexis and her son Colton, right from the beginning of the book. It was sad that they were not as 'functional' as a mother and child should be especially since Colton's father (Alexis' husband) committed suicide some seven months before and Colton basically blames his mother for it. He don't even call her 'mom' or 'mother' but calls her by her name, Alexis. Alexis realizes she wasn't there for her son. She had been so busy with her work as an astronaut she basically missed him growing up and being a part of his life however now she wants to be the mother that he should of had all along and build their relationship. After all, they are all each other had (so they thought).
Now I know that sounded sort of boring but there are just so many twists and turns in this somewhat of a fast paced story that it is far from boring, far from what I expected, and it totally engulfed me. I had no idea where this was going and it was to the point that when someone answered the door, I really darn near fell off my chair. I never expected that! It is just so surprising and non-stopping throughout the story. Just when you think the worse is over, it isn't. When you think this is the person, it turns out it is not. It is just so delightfully full of surprises that I couldn't put the book down.
I didn't notice any format issues and truthfully, I only noticed one typo at the beginning where Alexis is talking to her doctor and said, "These past few days I've spent at home and with my son have [sic] good, and I want to continue spending time with him." If there were any others I was so into the story I didn't notice them so it would be safe to say that if they do exist, they didn't take away from the story.
I totally enjoyed this story and although it is an easy read, some may think it is a YA. I am not so sure due to the content matter of suicide, grief, breast cancer, death, drugs, lies, deceptions. Yeah, I know, it seems like I'm talking about everyday life for many people now-a-days YA are a bit different from when I was one so lets just say I recommend it for the those who would feel comfortable with those subjects.
*I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
The main characters in the story are well developed and there is just no way to read this and not 'feel' something for them. I know I could relate and connected with them both; Alexis and her son Colton, right from the beginning of the book. It was sad that they were not as 'functional' as a mother and child should be especially since Colton's father (Alexis' husband) committed suicide some seven months before and Colton basically blames his mother for it. He don't even call her 'mom' or 'mother' but calls her by her name, Alexis. Alexis realizes she wasn't there for her son. She had been so busy with her work as an astronaut she basically missed him growing up and being a part of his life however now she wants to be the mother that he should of had all along and build their relationship. After all, they are all each other had (so they thought).
Now I know that sounded sort of boring but there are just so many twists and turns in this somewhat of a fast paced story that it is far from boring, far from what I expected, and it totally engulfed me. I had no idea where this was going and it was to the point that when someone answered the door, I really darn near fell off my chair. I never expected that! It is just so surprising and non-stopping throughout the story. Just when you think the worse is over, it isn't. When you think this is the person, it turns out it is not. It is just so delightfully full of surprises that I couldn't put the book down.
I didn't notice any format issues and truthfully, I only noticed one typo at the beginning where Alexis is talking to her doctor and said, "These past few days I've spent at home and with my son have [sic] good, and I want to continue spending time with him." If there were any others I was so into the story I didn't notice them so it would be safe to say that if they do exist, they didn't take away from the story.
I totally enjoyed this story and although it is an easy read, some may think it is a YA. I am not so sure due to the content matter of suicide, grief, breast cancer, death, drugs, lies, deceptions. Yeah, I know, it seems like I'm talking about everyday life for many people now-a-days YA are a bit different from when I was one so lets just say I recommend it for the those who would feel comfortable with those subjects.
*I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
February 24, 2015
I honestly wasn't sure if I would be able to read this book. I had just lost my aunt to lung cancer last week and the pain from loosing her is so fresh in my heart I was like you are nuts to be reading a book about cancer right now but I agreed to do it as a review so here I was reading it. I must say this book probably touched me deeper with the mind set I am in right now then it would have a year ago but because of knowing first hand what a cancer patients battle is like I felt for Alexis on deeper level then I would have before and I hurt for her when she was told she had cancer and all the other things she went through with her illness. Then the issues she had with her son were so frustrating because life is to short. I am not going to into spoilers because I do not believe in spoiling a book but this had a lot going on. Some surprises you may or may not be expecting, emotional rollercoaster, and families trying to overcome all odds. Overall this was a pretty good book with a very deep subject. I am giving four out of five stars because I did not like what the author did with the father's character. That part of the storyline was to unbelievable to go with the rest of the book.
February 4, 2015
This seriously felt like a YA book the way it was written. Like I was a child and had to have everything spelled out for me. And the mom's lament about her teenage son not understanding her was rubbing me like number five sandpaper. But the issues definitely were not YA. I'm not sure how to explain it. I seriously thought it was a debut novel, then at the end I find out it's not. It's the third novel she's written.
I know having cancer is bad, losing a husband to suicide is bad, dealing with a teenager in all their angst is bad. But does a reader need to suffer so tremendously to read this? I skipped so many pages I'm embarrassed to say how many. I understand the seriousness of the problems in this book, but the author made it so cumbersome to get through that I was not entertained in the least.
However I do have to say the last quarter of the book, it was just hellacious getting to that part. I'm retired and have the time to rough out a book, I know most people aren't. That's why it gets 3 stars from me.
Thanks to the author and Net Galley for providing me a free e-galley in exchange for a review.
I know having cancer is bad, losing a husband to suicide is bad, dealing with a teenager in all their angst is bad. But does a reader need to suffer so tremendously to read this? I skipped so many pages I'm embarrassed to say how many. I understand the seriousness of the problems in this book, but the author made it so cumbersome to get through that I was not entertained in the least.
However I do have to say the last quarter of the book, it was just hellacious getting to that part. I'm retired and have the time to rough out a book, I know most people aren't. That's why it gets 3 stars from me.
Thanks to the author and Net Galley for providing me a free e-galley in exchange for a review.
February 24, 2015
Simply amazing. I could not put this book down. Family Secrets by Donna Zadunajsky is recipe for success in a fiction novel. The ingredients include drama, mystery, suspense and romance. Zadunajsky also threw in a strong main woman character and a seemingly dysfunctional family. Trust me when I say it was a winning combination.
You will fall in love with the son Colton and you will cry and cheer on the mother Alexis. Zadunajsky took on any subject matters in this novel and the way she chose to work her plot and interweave the characters were pure genius. Have you ever wondered or had your dreams put on hold due to the loss of a loved one or a serious illness? Family Secrets delves into that subject.
I truly enjoyed this books approach to women fighting breast cancer and the strong will to keep the "family" together despite the deceit and secrets. I cannot wait to read more pieces from Zadunajsky.
You will fall in love with the son Colton and you will cry and cheer on the mother Alexis. Zadunajsky took on any subject matters in this novel and the way she chose to work her plot and interweave the characters were pure genius. Have you ever wondered or had your dreams put on hold due to the loss of a loved one or a serious illness? Family Secrets delves into that subject.
I truly enjoyed this books approach to women fighting breast cancer and the strong will to keep the "family" together despite the deceit and secrets. I cannot wait to read more pieces from Zadunajsky.
February 20, 2015
When Alexis turned 40, she had her first mammogram done. Unfortunately, it showed cancer. She and her son Colton were hardly on speaking terms. Having always put her job before her family, he blamed her for his father’s fairly recent suicide. As she works to repair their relationship, while dealing with her spreading cancer, she is unaware that Colton is secretly investigating his father’s death. But the secret he uncovers will change his memories of his father forever.
I felt the loneliness and sadness that Alexis carried with her. This story gave me many emotions, as I felt close to Alexis. The more the plot unveiled, the more I was intrigued. I would call this a bit of a love story with a mystery backdrop. I could relate to friendship and family being put aside unintentionally, and I loved how this family worked through that.
I felt the loneliness and sadness that Alexis carried with her. This story gave me many emotions, as I felt close to Alexis. The more the plot unveiled, the more I was intrigued. I would call this a bit of a love story with a mystery backdrop. I could relate to friendship and family being put aside unintentionally, and I loved how this family worked through that.
February 14, 2015
Family Secrets is a book with a family full of secrets that have been torn apart until some news comes about and changes everything. However, it is more about the powerful emotions the author writes with and conveys through the book that will make this book seem as if it could be taken from a newspaper, (maybe a bit of a stretch, not much though).
Being able to finish this book in just over a day along with laughing and crying it is getting a 5/5 rating. To not given anything away from the book *like spoilers* it is a must read as to why laughing and crying is involved.
free copy for a honest review
Being able to finish this book in just over a day along with laughing and crying it is getting a 5/5 rating. To not given anything away from the book *like spoilers* it is a must read as to why laughing and crying is involved.
free copy for a honest review
June 9, 2016
I wrote a longer review here: http://turnthepage.novelblogs.com/a-b...
I was excited to read it because I like the whole "dark family secret" bit; it's normally good escape reading for me.
But the writing quality was hard to get past. I think a couple months of more rigorous editing could've helped it out a lot. It felt quite...young; a lot of (repetitive) ideas/sentiments were spelled out far too clearly.
I do think that that plot could've been quite fun if the writing hadn't gotten in the way.
I was excited to read it because I like the whole "dark family secret" bit; it's normally good escape reading for me.
But the writing quality was hard to get past. I think a couple months of more rigorous editing could've helped it out a lot. It felt quite...young; a lot of (repetitive) ideas/sentiments were spelled out far too clearly.
I do think that that plot could've been quite fun if the writing hadn't gotten in the way.
April 15, 2015
A story that does not make sense, with characters as unbelievable as possible. This book is full of cliches, and worse, full of stupidities. Obviously, the author has not done any research on the subjects she throws here and there. Breast cancer in the two breasts almost never happens at once. Chemotherapy is what makes you lose your hair, not radiotherapy. Buy art on a website at discounted price, sure... A lot of ideas, none of them properly used. It is a shame.
May 14, 2015
Everyone has secrets and a few skeletons in their closets they would prefer not to share. This is the premise upon which Family Secrets is built and Donna M Zadunajsky does a brilliant job of creating compelling characters that bring her story to life. One of the best books I have read this year.
May 19, 2015
A real page turner from the start Family Secrets had everything I could want from a book. A compelling plot, great characters and plenty of intrigue. Highly enjoyable and very much looking forward to exploring other books by this author.
May 22, 2015
I thought Family Secrets was a lovely and very moving story. I thought that the main characters felt genuine and it wasn't long into the book before I found myself empathizing with them as events evolved. I thought the plot was clever and intriguing and the book was very well written.
June 9, 2015
Very good! Family Secrets was my commute read and the time just flew by. Good storyline with lovely characters made better by the thought provoking theme. I would have no hesitation in recommending it.
July 21, 2016
I liked the book. Yesteryear many layers.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
February 12, 2019
Family Secrets #1 - I don't know which is my favorite of the first two books in this series. I read Hidden Secrets first and almost volunteered for the third book (I was too late by the time I received this book).
This is a well thought out, well written story full of emotions and surprises. The storylines run the gamut, including determination, sacrifice, neglect, illness, deception and love. There is a lot of love in this story about family and friends, with a twist that I won't reveal. All the characters were likable, interesting and showing maturity instead of stupidity; good dialog amongst the characters.
Plenty of intrigue, suspense and revelations. Bad things happened, but the suffering made it all worthwhile. I want to tell more but this is a review, not a book report. Experience as I did, fresh and clueless. I contacted the author to review this book after reading Hidden. I receive the book through Booksprout. 4*
Hidden Secrets #2 - This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Oh, the emotions the reader is ran through. They range the gamut from despair, to heartbreak and finally to happiness. The waterfall of emotions is continuous throughout the story.
The well written storylines are intense and keep the reader glued to the pages. Just when the reader figures out the truth, the brakes are applied and the reader is tossed into a different direction at full force. There is so much depth to this vividly described tale of heartbreak and sorrows, as well as the heartwarming aspects.
The characters are realistic and range from sweet to horrendous, with realistic, clean dialog. Tim is my favorite character and once you've read what he has done with his large loving heart and what he has survived and lost, you'll agree about him, too.
I found this book on Booksprout, along with Twisted Secrets, the third book of the trilogy, which unfortunately I didn't have time to read before the due date. After reading the overview of the first and last books, I recommend reading them in order; BUT that's not necessary as Hidden is a standalone and the bits of reference to the first book are explained well enough. Book does need editing. 4*
This is a well thought out, well written story full of emotions and surprises. The storylines run the gamut, including determination, sacrifice, neglect, illness, deception and love. There is a lot of love in this story about family and friends, with a twist that I won't reveal. All the characters were likable, interesting and showing maturity instead of stupidity; good dialog amongst the characters.
Plenty of intrigue, suspense and revelations. Bad things happened, but the suffering made it all worthwhile. I want to tell more but this is a review, not a book report. Experience as I did, fresh and clueless. I contacted the author to review this book after reading Hidden. I receive the book through Booksprout. 4*
Hidden Secrets #2 - This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Oh, the emotions the reader is ran through. They range the gamut from despair, to heartbreak and finally to happiness. The waterfall of emotions is continuous throughout the story.
The well written storylines are intense and keep the reader glued to the pages. Just when the reader figures out the truth, the brakes are applied and the reader is tossed into a different direction at full force. There is so much depth to this vividly described tale of heartbreak and sorrows, as well as the heartwarming aspects.
The characters are realistic and range from sweet to horrendous, with realistic, clean dialog. Tim is my favorite character and once you've read what he has done with his large loving heart and what he has survived and lost, you'll agree about him, too.
I found this book on Booksprout, along with Twisted Secrets, the third book of the trilogy, which unfortunately I didn't have time to read before the due date. After reading the overview of the first and last books, I recommend reading them in order; BUT that's not necessary as Hidden is a standalone and the bits of reference to the first book are explained well enough. Book does need editing. 4*
February 14, 2019
Seven months ago Alexis was living the life. She had a loving husband Jay, an athletic son Colton, and a thriving career with NASA. But here she sat today at the doctor’s office in complete shock as she was told she has breast cancer. How could this be happening to her? First, she lost her husband to suicide, then had troubles with her teenaged son, and now just as she gets the opportunity to fly in space she has the big C.
This is a story of a woman trying desperately to hold onto everything she holds dear to her while struggling with a deadly disease. Along the way, family secrets threaten to destroy what little is left of Alexis’s family and she must find the strength to carry on. It is also a story of a teenage boy who has lost his father and may lose the mother he hardly knows. When he discovers a family secret, he struggles to keep the family he has together while aiding another with a criminal/dangerous past.
The author pulled me into the story and had me hanging on every word. I cried with Alexis and the pain she was going through. I rooted for Colton and the strength he was building as the man of the house. The family secret shocked me and added a dimension to the story I never saw coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a story of a woman trying desperately to hold onto everything she holds dear to her while struggling with a deadly disease. Along the way, family secrets threaten to destroy what little is left of Alexis’s family and she must find the strength to carry on. It is also a story of a teenage boy who has lost his father and may lose the mother he hardly knows. When he discovers a family secret, he struggles to keep the family he has together while aiding another with a criminal/dangerous past.
The author pulled me into the story and had me hanging on every word. I cried with Alexis and the pain she was going through. I rooted for Colton and the strength he was building as the man of the house. The family secret shocked me and added a dimension to the story I never saw coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2019
This is not the first book that I have read by this author and I am pleased to say that it will not be the last. I picked up The Accident for something different to read and wow, I got more that I bargained for. I have quickly become a fan of this author's work. I love the story topics, characters and the worlds that she creates and you get sucked into. For this book, this was a story about Alex. Alex has everything going for her, she has big dreams and she is a rare fortunate one that sets out and achieves her dreams. She completed college, married her husband, had a baby boy and now that he is grown to school age - she is off to find a job. Alex starts working for NASA. How amazing is that! I have come to learn that as positive and exciting as this author's stories can be well there has got to be a bomb somewhere to blow it all up. Sure enough......there is. Alex is diagnosed with breast cancer. Now that the bomb has blown, can Alex pull all her bits together and come out on top again? Or is there a second bomb lingering in the dark corner? Great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2020
Oh boy, here we go again I thought as I read the back cover of "Family Secrets" by Donna M. Zadunajsky. Successful upper middle class family comprised of mother (self-absorbed with her career), father (terrific house-husband who handles almost all aspect of rearing their son), and son (honor roll student on track to win a basketball scholarship). How many times have we been presented with similar scenarios before? All is running along smoothly until life suddenly pulls the rug out from under them. Without warning Dad commits suicide. Mom, spiraling down in her depression, loses herself further in work. Son, in his own depressive state, begins smoking pot while shutting out his mother. For pity's sake, won't something please go right in what remains of this family? Nope. Not yet.
Suitable for young adults. Suspense creeps in and keeps the reader interested until the very end and makes you eager for the next volume (no, this book does not end until the next book). No graphic sexual or violent content. Reads fairly quickly.
Suitable for young adults. Suspense creeps in and keeps the reader interested until the very end and makes you eager for the next volume (no, this book does not end until the next book). No graphic sexual or violent content. Reads fairly quickly.
May 8, 2019
First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.
After college, Alexis and Jay get married and have a little boy, Colton. Alexis is thrilled with her role as Mommy, until Colton starts school.....then she pursues her dream and lands a dream job at NASA! Jay is content to be stay-at-home Dad so Alexis can pursue this chance of a lifetime.
Twelve years later, for no apparent reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton blames his mom, and Alexis buries herself in her work. Months later, Alexis finds out she's going to get to be on the next space shuttle, until she's diagnosed with breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton looks into the reasons of his dad's suicide and uncovers "family secrets".
#NetGalley #FamilySecrets
After college, Alexis and Jay get married and have a little boy, Colton. Alexis is thrilled with her role as Mommy, until Colton starts school.....then she pursues her dream and lands a dream job at NASA! Jay is content to be stay-at-home Dad so Alexis can pursue this chance of a lifetime.
Twelve years later, for no apparent reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton blames his mom, and Alexis buries herself in her work. Months later, Alexis finds out she's going to get to be on the next space shuttle, until she's diagnosed with breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton looks into the reasons of his dad's suicide and uncovers "family secrets".
#NetGalley #FamilySecrets
February 24, 2019
They say you don't fully appreciate life until you are about to lose it. At least that's what I say sometimes anyway :). But unfortunately, it is true too often. Making your job your whole life is a heartbreaking way to live and this story broke my heart because I realize how easy it is to do. It is easy to become angry with the main character especially since she is just continuing to do the wrong things (in my mind anyway) but it is such an easy thing to fall into. I do not want to give the story away, it is just such a compelling story. I recommend this to everyone!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2019
It took me a long time to finish this book because as soon as I hit the part where she was diagnosed with breast cancer I put it down. The reason being is because my mom died of breast cancer and it's still very fresh to me. However I eventually picked it up and read the whole thing, and I think that the author is an excellent writer. She made layers upon layers of Interest within this book. I would like to read more of the author's work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program.
This book has a lot going on. It feels a bit like a tv drama at times with all of the action and twists. It kept my interest, but I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. It felt like too much was spelled out for me at times when I would've preferred more mystery. It covers breast cancer, family relationships, grief, criminal activity and sports so there is a lot going on here.
This book has a lot going on. It feels a bit like a tv drama at times with all of the action and twists. It kept my interest, but I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. It felt like too much was spelled out for me at times when I would've preferred more mystery. It covers breast cancer, family relationships, grief, criminal activity and sports so there is a lot going on here.
February 16, 2019
This well written story has a lot of intrigue, emotion, sacrifice, lies and love all rolled in to one book. I love how the characters are well rounded and the story moves along at a steady pace. There are some twists and turns to the story and at times it can be similar to being on an emotional roller coaster. This book is definitely well worth the read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2020
Donna Zadunajsky hits us with an emotionally gripping drama in Family Secrets! Alexis has the perfect life with a caring husband, a son, and a great job…until one day her husband commits suicide. Alexis falls ill as her son Colton begins to uncover their family’s uncomfortable secrets. Zadunajsky knows how to make some heartfelt characters while building a compelling mystery! Family Secrets is both intriguing and hits you in the heart, a combination that made it thoroughly enjoyable!
October 28, 2018
At first this book was hard for me to read. My late committed suicide and my son was around Colton age. I would have missed out on a great story and a great read. It is a story of love, dreams, secrets and misunderstandings. A family's relationship with each other and others outside of their family. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read Book 2!
January 28, 2019
Family Secrets is an emotional rollercoaster ride about family secrets, heartbreak, death and dealing with it all. As I read this book I felt for Alexis and her son and everything they go through. The characters are well developed, the writing is good and this story is a deep, intense read. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 8, 2019
An interesting story. Not too sure of the realities of the various situations. That doesn't usually bother me, but there were quite a few that caused me to wonder how realistic is this. It did hold my interest enough to keep me guessing as to what all the various secrets would be. Thanks to NetGalley and Book Review Buzz for providing a copy.
February 15, 2019
Intense interesting heart wrenching. Everything that makes a good book. Loved it. Gripping from beginning to end. Will a huge secret tear her family apart? She is dealing with cancer but there is so much more going on than she could ever imagine. This was just an amazing story line. Donna did an amazing job writing this one. Wonderful characters who made the story even better.Highly recommend.
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