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Her Ten-Year Secret
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… Patty Bradley learned early what happens when love is blind. Back in high school, Patty treasured her late-night talks on the front porch steps with neighbor, Jack Krieger. She told herself it didn’t matter that at school they were strangers. She understood. After all, he was popular and she was ‘Fatty Patty.’ Handsome, athletic and a friend to many, Jack Krieger bore the weight of everyone’s high expectations with a smile. Only around Patty could he let down his guard and be himself. When an incident the night of prom shatters their tenuous friendship, Patty leaves town right after graduation. Ten years later, when she returns to Lynnwood to sell her grandmother’s house, it’s as thin, stylish, single mom Trish. Jack is determined to resurrect their friendship but how can she trust the man who once shattered her tender heart? Especially with her son’s welfare at stake. This heartwarming romance will have you smiling when you turn the last page. Curl up with your Kindle and enjoy this uplifting story today! Originally released as Trish's Not-So-Little Secret (see copyright page), this book has been completely updated for your reading pleasure.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
152 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
224 books1,614 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 30, 2020
Heroine behaving very, very badly.
Ten years ago in high school the fat/curvy whatever heroine and her best friend the H have sex in a closet as a result of a prank. You know what happens when characters have sex in a romance? In this case it was a secret baby. Why a secret? The h heard him badmouthing her after the incident to his stupid HS friends.
I have no problem with the secret baby thing with the heroes of HPland as the whole revenge/blackmail/mistress thing doesn’t exactly scream Daddy material. Here, not so much.
This chick keeps the son from the dad for ten years because of hurt feelings, lies about it all over again when the H figures it out and then starts dating him. And why did he lie about her? He knew the twerps would spread rumors about her being a HS hussy.
Being a nice beta, he lets her off the hook.
Ten years ago in high school the fat/curvy whatever heroine and her best friend the H have sex in a closet as a result of a prank. You know what happens when characters have sex in a romance? In this case it was a secret baby. Why a secret? The h heard him badmouthing her after the incident to his stupid HS friends.
I have no problem with the secret baby thing with the heroes of HPland as the whole revenge/blackmail/mistress thing doesn’t exactly scream Daddy material. Here, not so much.
This chick keeps the son from the dad for ten years because of hurt feelings, lies about it all over again when the H figures it out and then starts dating him. And why did he lie about her? He knew the twerps would spread rumors about her being a HS hussy.
Being a nice beta, he lets her off the hook.
August 29, 2020
Ugly Duckling Story
This was a good story about a fat girl who comes back after ten years and is a swan. From Fatty Patty to Trish. And a nine year old secret named Tommy. I wasn't a big fan of the heroes. Not at all. I think he needed to grovel more or even grovel. I don't think he did. It also was super fast love for him and I was like they were dating and then bam he's telling his old girlfriend he loved Trish. I didn't like her either and her name was Missy and I hate that name. She was his girlfriend when he and Patty got locked in a closet at Prom and had intimate relations. The next morning he broke her heart and when she found out she was pregnant she left town. Now she was home and no one knew who the Father was. I liked Tommy very much. He was a sweet kid. I liked Trish and I totally understood wht she did what she did. And she was celibate the whole ten years. It never said if He was but I doubt it. He wasn't even celibate while he was her friend. Jack just didn't cut it for me. Yes it was a sweet story but I am a bitter old woman and just couldn't forgive Jack for what he did. She did and that is all that matters.
This was a good story about a fat girl who comes back after ten years and is a swan. From Fatty Patty to Trish. And a nine year old secret named Tommy. I wasn't a big fan of the heroes. Not at all. I think he needed to grovel more or even grovel. I don't think he did. It also was super fast love for him and I was like they were dating and then bam he's telling his old girlfriend he loved Trish. I didn't like her either and her name was Missy and I hate that name. She was his girlfriend when he and Patty got locked in a closet at Prom and had intimate relations. The next morning he broke her heart and when she found out she was pregnant she left town. Now she was home and no one knew who the Father was. I liked Tommy very much. He was a sweet kid. I liked Trish and I totally understood wht she did what she did. And she was celibate the whole ten years. It never said if He was but I doubt it. He wasn't even celibate while he was her friend. Jack just didn't cut it for me. Yes it was a sweet story but I am a bitter old woman and just couldn't forgive Jack for what he did. She did and that is all that matters.
April 16, 2019
Plump high school h slims down into sexy woman and meets H again ... she overhead him making some comments about her ..
In present day she avoids sleeping with him as she feels she will not allow herself to be used like that ... which seemed an archaic thinking to me ... she has been celibate for 10 years
She didn't tell H about pregnancy as she feels he humiliated her ... for the sake of her pride and ego she decides not to tell H about her pregnancy and deprives father and son of each other's love
She also believes in running away whenever she feels H is getting too close ...
Somewhere I felt the author portrayed h's cold act as her being a strong woman ...
In present day she avoids sleeping with him as she feels she will not allow herself to be used like that ... which seemed an archaic thinking to me ... she has been celibate for 10 years
She didn't tell H about pregnancy as she feels he humiliated her ... for the sake of her pride and ego she decides not to tell H about her pregnancy and deprives father and son of each other's love
She also believes in running away whenever she feels H is getting too close ...
Somewhere I felt the author portrayed h's cold act as her being a strong woman ...
May 5, 2020
Just so-so for me!
March 13, 2019
In “her ten-year secret,” the main characters Trish (Patty) Bradley and Jack Krieger had one night, long ago at a dance; they were tricked and locked overnight into a closet together by Jack’s High School friends. Come morning, these same friends would have destroyed Patty’s reputation so Jack decides to protect her and brush off the night with an eye roll and a few snide comments to appease his friends. Hearing the conversation Jack has with his buddies leaves the then “Fatty Patty” feeling even more alone. She leave town right after graduation and never returns leaving behind the one friend she had, who is also the friend that is now denying he ever talked to her.
Ten Years later, with Trish’s PR job downsized and a dwindling bank account, Patty, who now calls herself Trish; returns to her hometown and moves herself and her 9 year old son into the home she inherited. Complications arise when coincidentally, Jack also moves back home, he soon realizes there was more to Trish’s leaving than he ever realized. The town of Lynnwood is suddenly too small for the both of them and the story she’s been telling to explain why her son Tommy’s father is not in the picture starts to fail.
Trish keeps thinking back to her high school days, of the overweight wallflower with a low self image and the jock who became friends with her. Of spending late nights under the stars as friends would but then the betrayal creeps in. Can she ever trust Jack the way she used to? Would he ever forgive her for not sharing her secret? Miscommunication then adds to their drama, and a 9 year old boy who just wants a father like every other boy.
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." An easy story to read that takes us back to high school, back to those days of self doubt, and those days of wanting to be loved. Thank You Cindy Kirk!
Ten Years later, with Trish’s PR job downsized and a dwindling bank account, Patty, who now calls herself Trish; returns to her hometown and moves herself and her 9 year old son into the home she inherited. Complications arise when coincidentally, Jack also moves back home, he soon realizes there was more to Trish’s leaving than he ever realized. The town of Lynnwood is suddenly too small for the both of them and the story she’s been telling to explain why her son Tommy’s father is not in the picture starts to fail.
Trish keeps thinking back to her high school days, of the overweight wallflower with a low self image and the jock who became friends with her. Of spending late nights under the stars as friends would but then the betrayal creeps in. Can she ever trust Jack the way she used to? Would he ever forgive her for not sharing her secret? Miscommunication then adds to their drama, and a 9 year old boy who just wants a father like every other boy.
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." An easy story to read that takes us back to high school, back to those days of self doubt, and those days of wanting to be loved. Thank You Cindy Kirk!
March 11, 2019
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
I love this story. It's a love story of the ages, boy meets girl, girl sleeps with boy on prom night! It's an underdog story. It's a story young people who are teased and bullied in school can relate too, (not a story FOR young people though) .
A strong independent single mother and her soon return to her home town in which she fled 10 years previous, after a one night stand between her and her secret best friend in a closet at prom, after they are locked in over night.
After her father left, her mother died, she finds herself living with her elderly grandmother and pregnant. She has only one choice but to move away to raise her son on her own and forget about her best friend/baby daddy.
*****
You never expect to go to an event and bump into your 1st love, while on a date, which brings up those strong feelings again, to be surprised that he has been very close for a while.
Fast forward 2 months and after 10years away, she finds herself again desperate to run but this time she has no option or money other than to return to her grandmothers home after losing her job, and not having any other option.
She settles in to her life, however she's about to get a blast from the past at her door.
Could it really be worth the heartache again.......
I love this story. It's a love story of the ages, boy meets girl, girl sleeps with boy on prom night! It's an underdog story. It's a story young people who are teased and bullied in school can relate too, (not a story FOR young people though) .
A strong independent single mother and her soon return to her home town in which she fled 10 years previous, after a one night stand between her and her secret best friend in a closet at prom, after they are locked in over night.
After her father left, her mother died, she finds herself living with her elderly grandmother and pregnant. She has only one choice but to move away to raise her son on her own and forget about her best friend/baby daddy.
*****
You never expect to go to an event and bump into your 1st love, while on a date, which brings up those strong feelings again, to be surprised that he has been very close for a while.
Fast forward 2 months and after 10years away, she finds herself again desperate to run but this time she has no option or money other than to return to her grandmothers home after losing her job, and not having any other option.
She settles in to her life, however she's about to get a blast from the past at her door.
Could it really be worth the heartache again.......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2019
The story of Jack and Patty/Trish - Jack hid his friendship with “Fatty” Patty. They talked after his dates and after being out with his friends. Jack’s two best friends locked them in a storage closet at their senior prom and left them there all night. Patty left after graduation and they didn’t see each other for 10 years. They ran into each other at a party in Washington DC. Trish had slimmed down and was now a single mother. They both moved back to their hometown - Trish because she was downsized out of a job and Jack because his time as a lobbyist came to an end. Jack wants to renew his friendship with Trish, but she calls him on his past behavior. He asks for a chance, but his follow through is not great. Then Jack figures out that he is Tommy’s father. I wish there had been another chapter or two to let the story develop a bit more. Instead it went from Jack figuring out he is Tommy’s father, Tommy running away because he doesn’t want to move back to Washington DC to Jack professing his love and proposing.
I received an ARC for voluntarily reviewing the book.
I received an ARC for voluntarily reviewing the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2019
3.5 stars
April 2, 2019
Spoiler Alert
Arrrgh the ending wasn’t for me, this whole book is about a selfish girl who turns into a selfish woman.
Arrrgh the ending wasn’t for me, this whole book is about a selfish girl who turns into a selfish woman.
April 3, 2019
This book, a cautionary tale of misunderstandings, false assumptions, and dunderhead high school behavior, follows Patty/Trish Bradley and Jack Krieger ten years after high school. Patty (in high school) was a reserved, overweight, isolated student, who wore baggy clothes. She lived next door to Jack, a smart, athletic, and popular student. Despite their differences, Patty and Jack forged a close friendship that everyone was unaware of. At their Senior Prom, Jack’s “friends” locked Patty and Jack together in a storage room overnight. During that time, Patty and Jack had sex. After being let out in the morning, Patty overhears a conversation between Jack and his friends about Patty. Jack thinks he is protecting Patty, but what Patty hears is Jack dismissing her.
Patty finds out she is pregnant and leaves town for college, never to return, nor to let anyone back home know of her baby or who the father is. Jump forward 10 years, and now Trish, who has lost weight and her job, returns to her hometown to live in the home she inherited. Jack is also returning home, as bank president. While Jack has bought another house, his mother still lives next door to Trish and Tommy, Trish’s son. Tommy, now nine years old, is starving for friends and adult male attention.
Jack finds his attraction to Trish still exists, and he tries to restart his friendship and interest with Trish, as well as a developing fondness for Tommy. Considering that Tommy looks so like Jack at the same age, both have the same first and middle names, Trish had told two different ages for Tommy to different people, and Tommy’s actual age corresponds well to the high school sex, Jack is too easily persuaded that Tommy is not his son. And Jack’s mom would surely recognize the physical similarity between Jack and Tommy, but does not.
Trish has her own issues of trust, and misinterprets Jack’s helping of the divorced Missy, Jack’s high school girlfriend, and Missy’s daughter. Once Jack and Trish figure out their errors and admit their mutual attraction, the story reaches a satisfying ending.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Patty finds out she is pregnant and leaves town for college, never to return, nor to let anyone back home know of her baby or who the father is. Jump forward 10 years, and now Trish, who has lost weight and her job, returns to her hometown to live in the home she inherited. Jack is also returning home, as bank president. While Jack has bought another house, his mother still lives next door to Trish and Tommy, Trish’s son. Tommy, now nine years old, is starving for friends and adult male attention.
Jack finds his attraction to Trish still exists, and he tries to restart his friendship and interest with Trish, as well as a developing fondness for Tommy. Considering that Tommy looks so like Jack at the same age, both have the same first and middle names, Trish had told two different ages for Tommy to different people, and Tommy’s actual age corresponds well to the high school sex, Jack is too easily persuaded that Tommy is not his son. And Jack’s mom would surely recognize the physical similarity between Jack and Tommy, but does not.
Trish has her own issues of trust, and misinterprets Jack’s helping of the divorced Missy, Jack’s high school girlfriend, and Missy’s daughter. Once Jack and Trish figure out their errors and admit their mutual attraction, the story reaches a satisfying ending.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
April 2, 2019
When Trish Bradley decides to leave Washington and return home to the house that her grandmother left her, she has to face her past. In school, Trish was overweight and referred to as fatty Patty. In high school, her neighbor Jack Krieger would come to her house and sit on the front porch and talk with her when he got home from his dates. No one in school knew that Jack and Patty were friends.
When Patty went to the prom, Jack’s friends decided to pull a prank on Jack by locking him in a broom closet with Patty. Jack and Patty spent the night together and were intimate together. Once the morning arrived, Jack’s friends open the broom closet. Jack didn’t want to soil Patty’s reputation, so he made a snide remark to his friends. As Patty was leaving, she overheard Jack and his friends. It hurt her greatly,
As soon as Patty graduated, she left town and never returned. Now, 10 years later, Patty has lost weight and become a beautiful young lady. Patty, now known as Trish, has a nine year old son (Tommy), and decides that the only way she can provide for him is to move back home.
Right after Trish moves back home, she finds out that Jack has moved back home as well. Now, Trish not only has to deal with the people who once terrorized her and made fun of her, but she also has to deal with the hurt that Jack caused her.
Jack wants to spend time with Trish and rekindle their friendship, but Trish is afraid of trusting Jack. In addition to this, she is afraid that Jack will find out that Tommy is his son. Will Trish and Jack ever work out their problems? How will Jack react when he finds out that Tommy is his son? You will need to read this amazing book to find out!
• I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
When Patty went to the prom, Jack’s friends decided to pull a prank on Jack by locking him in a broom closet with Patty. Jack and Patty spent the night together and were intimate together. Once the morning arrived, Jack’s friends open the broom closet. Jack didn’t want to soil Patty’s reputation, so he made a snide remark to his friends. As Patty was leaving, she overheard Jack and his friends. It hurt her greatly,
As soon as Patty graduated, she left town and never returned. Now, 10 years later, Patty has lost weight and become a beautiful young lady. Patty, now known as Trish, has a nine year old son (Tommy), and decides that the only way she can provide for him is to move back home.
Right after Trish moves back home, she finds out that Jack has moved back home as well. Now, Trish not only has to deal with the people who once terrorized her and made fun of her, but she also has to deal with the hurt that Jack caused her.
Jack wants to spend time with Trish and rekindle their friendship, but Trish is afraid of trusting Jack. In addition to this, she is afraid that Jack will find out that Tommy is his son. Will Trish and Jack ever work out their problems? How will Jack react when he finds out that Tommy is his son? You will need to read this amazing book to find out!
• I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 5, 2019
This book by Cindy Kirk is about love, hurt, rejection, misunderstandings, forgiveness and second chances.
Patty, who later changed her name to Trish, was a young woman living with her Grandmother. She didn't have the best childhood. She had a poor self-image and was not part of the elite crowd in High School. She had been the one that the kids liked to tease. Her neighbor, Jack, became her close friend and confidant. Due to a misunderstanding after the Senior Prom, Trish felt betrayed by Jack. After graduation Patty moved away from her small hometown.
Ten years later Trish and her son Tommy were moving back to Kansas from Washington D.C. She had been restructured out of her dream job. Fortunately, she had inherited her Grandmother's house where they could live until she found a new job. There she meets up again with Jack who just happens to be back in Kansas and visiting his mother who lives next door to Trish and Tommy. Trish does not trust Jack and keeps secrets from him that she will not share because of their past history. Their attraction is undeniable and although Trish sees many good qualities in Jack, she has a hard time letting down her guard. Their friendship faced many ups and downs that kept me engaged and wanting to see the reconciliation of a couple that was meant to be together. This story was an easy read and is a great romance if you need to escape. Join Jack and Trish in the small town of Lynnwood, Kansas as they reconnect, forgive and fall in love all over again. I enjoyed it and I highly recommend this book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Patty, who later changed her name to Trish, was a young woman living with her Grandmother. She didn't have the best childhood. She had a poor self-image and was not part of the elite crowd in High School. She had been the one that the kids liked to tease. Her neighbor, Jack, became her close friend and confidant. Due to a misunderstanding after the Senior Prom, Trish felt betrayed by Jack. After graduation Patty moved away from her small hometown.
Ten years later Trish and her son Tommy were moving back to Kansas from Washington D.C. She had been restructured out of her dream job. Fortunately, she had inherited her Grandmother's house where they could live until she found a new job. There she meets up again with Jack who just happens to be back in Kansas and visiting his mother who lives next door to Trish and Tommy. Trish does not trust Jack and keeps secrets from him that she will not share because of their past history. Their attraction is undeniable and although Trish sees many good qualities in Jack, she has a hard time letting down her guard. Their friendship faced many ups and downs that kept me engaged and wanting to see the reconciliation of a couple that was meant to be together. This story was an easy read and is a great romance if you need to escape. Join Jack and Trish in the small town of Lynnwood, Kansas as they reconnect, forgive and fall in love all over again. I enjoyed it and I highly recommend this book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 2, 2019
A sweet read about how sometimes what we think happened and what really happened can be so different, and so life altering.
Trish (or Patty) has always had a hang up about home - she hadnt had the best childhood, and was the lonely outcast all her young life. Her bright spot was her "secret" friendship with her cute neighbor Jack.
Trish left town in a hurry after highschool, and then accidentally runs into Jack at a party many, many years later. This is where the story gets interesting, but I will stop telling the story at this point so that there are no spoilers. Suffice it to say, this is one of the sweetest, and cutest stories I have read this year.
It is well written, as I have come to expect from Cindy Kirk. It is also set in a small town, and I always enjoy that - everyone sort of knows everybody and everybody looks out for each other. Trish and Tommy fall in love with the small town life, and then some.
There are twists and turns to the story so that it isnt all roses and lollipops, but becomes more real life, and how the books' characters deal with real life make for a very engrossing read. I have enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book, and as always, I look forward to the next one.
**I received an ARC of this book, but this review and all opinions herein are my own.
Trish (or Patty) has always had a hang up about home - she hadnt had the best childhood, and was the lonely outcast all her young life. Her bright spot was her "secret" friendship with her cute neighbor Jack.
Trish left town in a hurry after highschool, and then accidentally runs into Jack at a party many, many years later. This is where the story gets interesting, but I will stop telling the story at this point so that there are no spoilers. Suffice it to say, this is one of the sweetest, and cutest stories I have read this year.
It is well written, as I have come to expect from Cindy Kirk. It is also set in a small town, and I always enjoy that - everyone sort of knows everybody and everybody looks out for each other. Trish and Tommy fall in love with the small town life, and then some.
There are twists and turns to the story so that it isnt all roses and lollipops, but becomes more real life, and how the books' characters deal with real life make for a very engrossing read. I have enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book, and as always, I look forward to the next one.
**I received an ARC of this book, but this review and all opinions herein are my own.
April 6, 2019
Trish is at a gathering trying make connections so she can get a new job after being let go from her last one. While there with her date she is approached by Jack. She is not pleased to see him at this point. It has been 10 years since she moved away from her childhood home with her grandmother. She has avoided it ever since. Patty as Jack knew her was his friend. He would go and talk to her at night on her steps. She went to the prom and her date left her. Jack's friends trick him into finding her telling him she is upset. This is when her world is turned upside down. After spending a night with Jack she over hears him telling his friends he would never be with her. So when she finds out she is pregnant she leaves. Now she is having to move back to her hometown, things are stress filled. She cant let Jack find out Tommy is his son. She lies about his age so Jack wont know. Tommy becomes close to Connie who is Jacks mom. Trish and Jack become close and start seeing each other. Later things come out about Jack being Tommy's father. Trish misunderstood Jack's reasons for saying what he had. He really cared about her and was trying protect her. Secret's will eventually come out. It is always a matter of time. This book was given to me as ARC to read for my honest review.
April 2, 2019
Her Ten Year Secret
Patty Bradley and Jack Krieger grew up next door to each other. Jack, the football captain and very popular and Patty, known as Fatty Patty, had become close friends during their senior year. In fact, Jack had been her only friend and they spent many late nights talking together on her front porch. Patty had cherished their friendship until Jack inadvertently humiliated her on senior prom night. Patty left right after graduation taking her secret with her. When the now slim Patty (and now called Trish) is forced to return to Lynnwood with her nine year old son, she discovers that Jack, now a successful businessman, still lives in their hometown.
Trish is adamant that she will not be fooled twice by Jack and does her best to avoid him. But most importantly, she needs to keep her ten year old secret. She has her manufactured story of her fictional marriage and divorce to explain Tommy and must keep up the facade to protect her heart against Jack’s desire to rekindle their friendship. Cindy Kirk, as always, weaves a great story line! Definitely a page turner!
This is a wonderful story of friendship, misunderstandings, and reconnection. I am so grateful to have had an advanced copy from the publisher and to voluntarily review it.
Patty Bradley and Jack Krieger grew up next door to each other. Jack, the football captain and very popular and Patty, known as Fatty Patty, had become close friends during their senior year. In fact, Jack had been her only friend and they spent many late nights talking together on her front porch. Patty had cherished their friendship until Jack inadvertently humiliated her on senior prom night. Patty left right after graduation taking her secret with her. When the now slim Patty (and now called Trish) is forced to return to Lynnwood with her nine year old son, she discovers that Jack, now a successful businessman, still lives in their hometown.
Trish is adamant that she will not be fooled twice by Jack and does her best to avoid him. But most importantly, she needs to keep her ten year old secret. She has her manufactured story of her fictional marriage and divorce to explain Tommy and must keep up the facade to protect her heart against Jack’s desire to rekindle their friendship. Cindy Kirk, as always, weaves a great story line! Definitely a page turner!
This is a wonderful story of friendship, misunderstandings, and reconnection. I am so grateful to have had an advanced copy from the publisher and to voluntarily review it.
April 5, 2019
This story has some interesting twists the usual small town romance. Patty/Trish lived with her grandmother in high school after her mom died. She turned to food for comfort and became "Fatty Patty". Jack is her next door neighbor and figures out she is good to talk to especially after his dates. His friends lock them in a closet during prom and the inevitable happens. Once the door is unlocked she hears Jack and his words are not kind. Fast forward 10 years when he meets her at an event. She wants nothing to do with him while he is interested and is curious about her life. She ends up moving back to their hometown with her son, Tommy. Jack is back and runs into her son and plays basketball with him. She is freaking out as she doesn't want him to figure out Tommy is his. He initiated meeting her and she decides to give him a second chance. Missy, a single mom who dated Jack in high school, has moved back. She is afraid of her ex and calls and depends on Jack for help. This causes misunderstandings and heartache.
Honestly, Jack seemed like a jerk half the time and I certainly wouldn't have been as forgiving as Trish. The fact that I was irritated at the characters at times tells you the writing is good. Not my favorite book from this author but definitely a good one.
Honestly, Jack seemed like a jerk half the time and I certainly wouldn't have been as forgiving as Trish. The fact that I was irritated at the characters at times tells you the writing is good. Not my favorite book from this author but definitely a good one.
March 20, 2019
Patty Bradley was an awkward teenager who only had one real friend, a boy she loved named Jack Krieger. One night, some of Jack’s friends locked Patty and Jack in a closet all night. They made love, and Patty thought that it was forever. When his friends returned the next morning, Jack told them something that changed Patty’s view of him. She left, and for ten years, never said a word about the one beautiful consequence of that night in the closet. But, when they meet again, will Patty be able to trust Jack with her 10-year secret?
This story has the type of magic you find in other romances by this author. She takes a simple romance and adds truth, honesty, compassion, and a sense that people are better than they are in real life. It’s what I believe she wants people to be like. And, so do I. Whenever I read her books, I get a sense of sweetness that makes me want to forget about the real world. I loved the characters, and how strong and confident they both were, even while they made mistakes. I also loved the sweet ending! I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This story has the type of magic you find in other romances by this author. She takes a simple romance and adds truth, honesty, compassion, and a sense that people are better than they are in real life. It’s what I believe she wants people to be like. And, so do I. Whenever I read her books, I get a sense of sweetness that makes me want to forget about the real world. I loved the characters, and how strong and confident they both were, even while they made mistakes. I also loved the sweet ending! I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 2, 2019
This was a heartfelt second chance story. It is a perfect example that trying to run from your past will never work. Also, make sure that what you hear is what was meant. Sometimes people say things that may seem mean or hurtful but who they are saying it to can make all the difference in the true context.
Trish is a fiercely independent woman and mother and will do what it takes to protect the son she loves and herself from hurt. She was once hurt by Jack and has no intention of letting it happen again.
Jack, the completely oblivious, sweet guy that just wants his friend back. His whole life he has loved Trish and she never knew.
When these two reconnect at a Washington political party the sparks are already flying. The sweet passion and tempers that fly between these are fantastic. She is hiding things and he just wants her back. He will protect her with everything he is and she is constantly running from him. I loved this story. Cindy Kirk is one of my favorite authors and I never miss her books.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Trish is a fiercely independent woman and mother and will do what it takes to protect the son she loves and herself from hurt. She was once hurt by Jack and has no intention of letting it happen again.
Jack, the completely oblivious, sweet guy that just wants his friend back. His whole life he has loved Trish and she never knew.
When these two reconnect at a Washington political party the sparks are already flying. The sweet passion and tempers that fly between these are fantastic. She is hiding things and he just wants her back. He will protect her with everything he is and she is constantly running from him. I loved this story. Cindy Kirk is one of my favorite authors and I never miss her books.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 2, 2019
I loved this book – it kept me intrigued from the beginning. Having to hear a voice from the past can be both exciting as well as terrifying. This story is about Jack and Trish aka Patty. Trish is at a function when Jack’s voice terrifies her because she has a secret that she does not want him to know about. Unfortunately, for Trish, she loses her job and is force to return to her hometown as she had inherited her grandmother’s home until she can find a new job. Well who of all people show up and is actually now living back home in the one house she always dreamed of living in – Jack.
Jack is determined to win Patty (Trish) back as that is whom he wants; he accepts calling her Trish but loves Patty all the same. There is a huge misunderstanding between Jack and Trish but what clears up everything is her child running away and them working together. As always, Cindy’s books never disappoint because each of them has a happy ever after with absolutely no cliffhangers. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Jack is determined to win Patty (Trish) back as that is whom he wants; he accepts calling her Trish but loves Patty all the same. There is a huge misunderstanding between Jack and Trish but what clears up everything is her child running away and them working together. As always, Cindy’s books never disappoint because each of them has a happy ever after with absolutely no cliffhangers. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 3, 2019
Trish moved back to her hometown with her son, Tommy. Jack was her friend, whom she gave her virginity to on prom night. She got pregnant and left town. 10 years later she is back, and trying keep her son away from his father, Jack. Jack asked if Tommy was his, but she lied and said No. Jack believes her. She lives in her Grandmother's house, which is right next door to Jack's Mom's house. She uses Jack's sister as Tommy's babysitter while she is at work. Tommy is friends with her son, Matt.
He always tries to spend time with her, mostly she tries to avoid him.
They spend a lot of time together. Tommy sees a picture of Jack at his age, Jack realizes that Tommy is his son. He confronts Trish, who is so overwhelmed, she calls and accepts a job in Washington. She tells Tommy they are moving, he run away because he doesn't want to. Luckily she tells Jack who finds him, and brings him home. They talk it out, and she decides to stay in Lynnwood. They say I Love You to each other, Jack proposes, and Tommy finds out Jack is his Dad.
Loved the book, would love to find out if Missy gets a happily ever after...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
He always tries to spend time with her, mostly she tries to avoid him.
They spend a lot of time together. Tommy sees a picture of Jack at his age, Jack realizes that Tommy is his son. He confronts Trish, who is so overwhelmed, she calls and accepts a job in Washington. She tells Tommy they are moving, he run away because he doesn't want to. Luckily she tells Jack who finds him, and brings him home. They talk it out, and she decides to stay in Lynnwood. They say I Love You to each other, Jack proposes, and Tommy finds out Jack is his Dad.
Loved the book, would love to find out if Missy gets a happily ever after...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2019
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
Her Ten Year Secret is a book written by Cindy Kirk, author of the Good Hope series. This is a different style of book to the Good Hope series but if you're a fan of Cindy Kirk then you'll love this book.
The book focuses on two main characters Trish (Patty) Bradley and Jack Kreiger who have been friends since high school. As a result of a childish prank back in their senior year, that friendship has been strained.
Trish returns to her hometown with her ten year old son Tommy after living in Washington to live in her grandmother's house and face her past. Trish left straight after high school and has never looked back but now that she's home, her past comes flooding back. A major part of that past revolves around Jack.
Without giving too much away, this is a book of redemption, second chances and love. If you're a hopeless romantic like myself, you'll be able to predict the direction of the story. But then again, it's always nice to just read a book that you engrossed in and can't put down.
Thank you Cindy Kirk for another fantastic romantic novel!
Her Ten Year Secret is a book written by Cindy Kirk, author of the Good Hope series. This is a different style of book to the Good Hope series but if you're a fan of Cindy Kirk then you'll love this book.
The book focuses on two main characters Trish (Patty) Bradley and Jack Kreiger who have been friends since high school. As a result of a childish prank back in their senior year, that friendship has been strained.
Trish returns to her hometown with her ten year old son Tommy after living in Washington to live in her grandmother's house and face her past. Trish left straight after high school and has never looked back but now that she's home, her past comes flooding back. A major part of that past revolves around Jack.
Without giving too much away, this is a book of redemption, second chances and love. If you're a hopeless romantic like myself, you'll be able to predict the direction of the story. But then again, it's always nice to just read a book that you engrossed in and can't put down.
Thank you Cindy Kirk for another fantastic romantic novel!
March 18, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am reviewing it voluntarily.
The only reason this book got 4 stars and not 5 is because it was over too quickly, I wanted more. Having said that I loved the book as I do all of Cindy’s books. She writes the stories so you feel you are in the book.
Cindy had me hooked from the first page, I loved Jack, Trish and Tommy, but I loved Patty just as much , if not more.
I’m a firm believer that anybody is beautiful. It shouldn’t matter about your size, wearing glasses etc and although it took Jack far too long (10 years) to admit it, he actually fell in love with Patty, before she lost weight and became Trish.
We need more books about women who don’t just eat salad and diet pop, who do wear glasses and who are themselves, whatever that self may be.
Patty/Trish and Jack deserved their second chance and they got it in this lovely feel-good book. A fab read from Cindy, as always.
The only reason this book got 4 stars and not 5 is because it was over too quickly, I wanted more. Having said that I loved the book as I do all of Cindy’s books. She writes the stories so you feel you are in the book.
Cindy had me hooked from the first page, I loved Jack, Trish and Tommy, but I loved Patty just as much , if not more.
I’m a firm believer that anybody is beautiful. It shouldn’t matter about your size, wearing glasses etc and although it took Jack far too long (10 years) to admit it, he actually fell in love with Patty, before she lost weight and became Trish.
We need more books about women who don’t just eat salad and diet pop, who do wear glasses and who are themselves, whatever that self may be.
Patty/Trish and Jack deserved their second chance and they got it in this lovely feel-good book. A fab read from Cindy, as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher and I am voluntarily giving this review.
Trish moves back to her hometown with a nine-year-old son Tommy in tow. Jack, the unsuspecting father, also comes back to town and tries to rekindle their relationship before Trish left right out of high school unexpectedly after they had sex. As the pieces start coming together it doesn't take Jack long to wonder if Tommy is actually his son.
Trish believes Jack is in love with his old girlfriend and desides that she no longer wants to be in a relationship with him and plans on leaving town again. When Tommy finds out that they are going to have to move back to DC he runs away. At this point Trish has to involve Jack in the search for their missing son.
All of this leads to Trish finally being able to trust Jack and things get pretty awesome once the truth comes out and hard feelings are put aside. Jack gives Trish the happily-ever-after that she deserves.
Trish moves back to her hometown with a nine-year-old son Tommy in tow. Jack, the unsuspecting father, also comes back to town and tries to rekindle their relationship before Trish left right out of high school unexpectedly after they had sex. As the pieces start coming together it doesn't take Jack long to wonder if Tommy is actually his son.
Trish believes Jack is in love with his old girlfriend and desides that she no longer wants to be in a relationship with him and plans on leaving town again. When Tommy finds out that they are going to have to move back to DC he runs away. At this point Trish has to involve Jack in the search for their missing son.
All of this leads to Trish finally being able to trust Jack and things get pretty awesome once the truth comes out and hard feelings are put aside. Jack gives Trish the happily-ever-after that she deserves.
April 2, 2019
This book is very typical of a book from Cindy Kirk. She always finds a way to get to the heart of our emotions and find a way to relate to all of us. I think we all have had the experience of making mistakes we wish we could change and misunderstanding due to our own perspectives. I like that the book dealt with how we learn to understand as we mature and how we can change and become a better person. Forgiveness and understanding isn't always easy, but it can be so worth it and in this case can change your whole life. I really enjoyed this book. It was a short quick read, but well worth the time. The characters were easy to relate to as well as the situation which made the book feel more personable. Definitely worth the read.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you haven't tried one of Cindy Kirk's books before this is a good book to start with. I'll warn you though you might find another author you love as I have.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you haven't tried one of Cindy Kirk's books before this is a good book to start with. I'll warn you though you might find another author you love as I have.
April 3, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. This book holds the theme that one's past does not define their future. Trish and Jack are not the same people they were 10 years ago. Both have matured physically and mentally, but emotionally they are still stunted in high school. Trish was never the popular girl, always the butt of jokes, but one night with popular boy Jack changed the trajectory of her life. Ten years, post high school, Trish finds herself back in her hometown, where her secret can no longer be hidden.
This book was a sweet read, once you get past the stereotypical plot and the rush to the alter. Cindy Kirk does a good job at making the characters realistic with their flaws and fears, but the story felt rushed. I do think there are opportunities for the author to weave Trish and Jack's story into novels that feature other residents of the town, and expand the book into a series.
This book was a sweet read, once you get past the stereotypical plot and the rush to the alter. Cindy Kirk does a good job at making the characters realistic with their flaws and fears, but the story felt rushed. I do think there are opportunities for the author to weave Trish and Jack's story into novels that feature other residents of the town, and expand the book into a series.
April 5, 2019
Trish ends up moving back to her childhood home that she inherited. Along with her son. Not realizing that Jack has also moved back next door into his childhood home. Growing up, Jack and Trish (Patty) lived next door to each other. Trish had low self confidence, and was more of a loner due to being bullied. Jack was the popular jock. Complete opposites.
Trish tries to keep her son away from Jack, since he hurt her so bad in the past, but he's looking for a father/friends/Big Brother figure. Trish has changed her life, and tries to avoid Jack, but decides that they can be friends. Jack loves having his friend back, but Trish doesn't realize that he's always had a crush on her.
Love this book, and how they reunite, and learn that a lot was just misunderstandings. Now they have to learn to trust each other and move forward after all secrets have been put in the open.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Trish tries to keep her son away from Jack, since he hurt her so bad in the past, but he's looking for a father/friends/Big Brother figure. Trish has changed her life, and tries to avoid Jack, but decides that they can be friends. Jack loves having his friend back, but Trish doesn't realize that he's always had a crush on her.
Love this book, and how they reunite, and learn that a lot was just misunderstandings. Now they have to learn to trust each other and move forward after all secrets have been put in the open.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
April 10, 2019
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
Entertaining quick read.
High school was hard for Patty/Trish, she just didn't quite fit in. So when she strikes up a friendship with (her next door neighbor/secret crush) Jack she feels all will be okay. But her friendship with Jack was only after he returned from having a fun night out with his "friends". While at the prom, not as a couple, in a closet by Jack's so called friends things get cozy for Patty and Jack, but when the morning comes a misunderstanding tears the friendship apart.
Fast forward 10 year - Adult Trish owns her life in Washington DC .. she is a confident single mom with an awesome job. She owns her life, until the job is gone and she has to move back home.
Que the hurt, uncertainty, not quite belonging feelings for Trish. But her love for her son allows her to see that sometimes going home is okay.
Entertaining quick read.
High school was hard for Patty/Trish, she just didn't quite fit in. So when she strikes up a friendship with (her next door neighbor/secret crush) Jack she feels all will be okay. But her friendship with Jack was only after he returned from having a fun night out with his "friends". While at the prom, not as a couple, in a closet by Jack's so called friends things get cozy for Patty and Jack, but when the morning comes a misunderstanding tears the friendship apart.
Fast forward 10 year - Adult Trish owns her life in Washington DC .. she is a confident single mom with an awesome job. She owns her life, until the job is gone and she has to move back home.
Que the hurt, uncertainty, not quite belonging feelings for Trish. But her love for her son allows her to see that sometimes going home is okay.
March 16, 2019
This is a Seriously Sweet Romance. Patty/Trish keeps a secret that has changed her life. What happened with Jack on Prom night led to the greatest thing that ever happened to her. Patty/Trish thought that after leaving her hometown and never looking back the secret would be all hers. But, boy was she wrong. After running into Jack at their class reunion, and finding that he lived just a couple blocks away from her in Washington D.C. When life happens and Trish has to return to her hometown, she knows the risks, but is comforted by knowing that Jack lives in D.C. far away from her. What she doesn't know is that Jack also has to move home making her secret even harder to keep!
What follows in this quick romantic read shows how communication is key to relationships, and when you least expect it life can change for the better.
I received a copy of the book in advance from the author.
What follows in this quick romantic read shows how communication is key to relationships, and when you least expect it life can change for the better.
I received a copy of the book in advance from the author.
March 22, 2019
This is a great story of friendship, passion, betrayal & forgiveness. Patty & Jack had a form of friendship in high school. He was popular football player & she was “Fatty Patty”. After a disastrous encounter at prom, Patty left town after graduation & never looked back.
Patty, or Trish as she wanted to be known, had extremely low self esteem. Jack didn’t help by never taking her out or talking to her in public. Then she ran after a misunderstanding & didn’t talk to him about it.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed & their attitudes reflect the situation perfectly. The chemistry is still there when they meet back up which makes it difficult for Trish to stay cold & standoffish to Jack. The addition of Tommy adds humor & drama to the plot line. Overall, this was a nice entertaining story.
Patty, or Trish as she wanted to be known, had extremely low self esteem. Jack didn’t help by never taking her out or talking to her in public. Then she ran after a misunderstanding & didn’t talk to him about it.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed & their attitudes reflect the situation perfectly. The chemistry is still there when they meet back up which makes it difficult for Trish to stay cold & standoffish to Jack. The addition of Tommy adds humor & drama to the plot line. Overall, this was a nice entertaining story.
March 29, 2019
I recently received an Advanced Reader Copy of Her Ten Year Secret by Cindy Kirk from the publisher to voluntarily review. I was very excited to hear about a new series from a favorite author since I always enjoy books from her Good Hope series. The book on it's own is well written and a fairly quick read. I hate to say that I struggled with it only because I had just read Reunited in Good Hope which had a very similar theme, so it almost felt repetitive to me. The characters were very different, but the overarching theme wasn't. This story also felt a bit rushed to me and I never felt vested in any of the characters. The author's writing is always very smooth and enjoyable so that definitely wasn't the reason I struggled with it. I had no problems getting to the end, but I just wished the story was fresher for me. I probably would have enjoyed Her Ten Year Secret more if I wasn't such a big fan of Kirk's Good Hope series and I had read this at a different time.
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