Family Secrets

by Kathleen Eyke

(this edition is no longer available)

Just when you think you know everything you need to know about someone, they do something so dirty, so underhanded that you are left stunned stupid, wondering how they ever fooled you.

Emma Johnston experienced just that, when her father plotted to kill her cousin and aunt, then have her declared insane so that he could take the fortune that her maternal grandfather had settled on her at her 21st birthday. What should have been the start of a new, happy chapter in her life soon turned dark and dangerous when her father showed that he would stop at nothing to strip her of her money. With her grandfather's aid, she manages to avoid his traps, for a while....

Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2016

Reviews

[Megan Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an advanced review copy of this book and chose to review it.

Family Fortune is a refreshing telling of the same old storyline current done to death. Rodger is sent to guard Emma from her evil, well not really but you get the gist, father. You've heard the storyline a million times, he falls for her but can he let his feelings for her jeopardise his work and her safety? However, you've never heard it told like this! Set in the 1855 Family Fortune is like nothing you've ever read before. I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, kept my interest, interfered with my housework because I couldn't put it down. I would let my granddaughter read it if she weren't just 2 yrs old. I can hardly wait for the sequel to be released.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot; although I'm not a fan of Westerns as such, this one avoided all the usual cliches to give a fresh look at the time and place from the point of view of a very modern-minded (for the period) young woman. I liked the way the author kept it real and didn't fall into the trap of putting a 21st-century personality into the role, and yet explored the issues around emancipation. It was well done.

I did have a momentary hesitation about the notion of 'high society' in America, but since my own knowledge of the Old West comes entirely from films such as Cat Ballou, this is probably down to my own lack of familiarity with the period. After all, we can complain if a book doesn't match facts, but we can hardly complain if it is at odds with someone else's work of fiction!

Historical considerations aside, it was well written and the characters engaging. I did think a little more rigorous proofreading would not have gone astray. Solecisms such as 'broach' instead of 'brooch' are distracting to the reader.

[Jim Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Margaret Mitchell fake her death and change her name to Kathleen?

At the risk of seeming irreverent, I love this book even more than Gone With The Wind. I'm sure having a female lead whom I can respect is a large part of it. Whereas I wanted to spank Scarlet as the spoiled brat she is, the young lady in this book is a delight. For as naive as she is, she exhibits character and wisdom beyond her years (as do the real people with whom I associate). Set in a beautiful time gone by, this story quickly spirals into a frighteningly vivid tale of intrigue and adventure... and yes, romance. I cannot say enough good things about it. You shall have to find out for yourself. I hope you've saved up some sick days. You won't want to interrupt this read.

[Airian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Strong Emma

This story was endearing and heartfelt. It swept me away to the South and a time when women were meant to be meek, yet Emma is a voice even modern women can appreciate and aspire to. The thrilling family drama lends excitement to an unconventional love story. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Heather Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Awesome read with all the feels. There is a bit of adventure with a mix of romance in the story. Kathleen Eyke did a wonderful job writing this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The time period and plot were brilliantly managed by the author. Characters were fantastic throughout.

[A.S. McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

The story was interesting. The cast of characters were well developed and lively. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Sandy Bartles]

This is a wonderful book by a terrific author. When I first began reading this book, I thought, "I will start this now and take my time with it". I am not much into historicals because when I finish the book I realize that they would all be dead now, in my time, and that makes me sad. However, once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. There are lots of laughs and you become so attached to the characters that you can't let go. So, now, here I am, anxiously waiting for the next book!

[A.D. Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This was truly an astonishing story. It held both romance, action, and suspense. The scenes and characters were perfectly played put drawing you into the story deeper and deeper with every page! Wonderful job Ms. Eyke

[Shannon McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book. Can't wait to read more in this series