The Secret Keeper Lets Go

The Secret Keeper #5

by Brea Brown

There was a time when everyone told Peyton Stratford their secrets. And that was stressful. Now it seems that nobody’s confiding in her—and that’s stressful too! Is she being sideline d as a trusted friend and confidant because she’s now a wife and mother?

It even seems her husband has been keeping information from her. Who would have thought Pastor Brice could have a ‘past’? Or that this recently divorced past might still have designs on his present… and future?

It’s a secret that Peyton's been keeping for Jen, however, that is her biggest concern. Of course, it’s not Peyton’s secret to tell; plus she promised she never would. After all, telling it could have some serious consequences—for more than just Jen. But is it wrong to keep silent about something so significant? What’s more important—friendship or truth?

It’s time for Peyton to learn to let go. But if she does, will anyone be there to catch her?

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2013

Reviews

[Lucinda]

I've been following the lives of Peyton and Brice for over a year and half. By now, I feel like I know them pretty well. In reality, I don't, they still throw a lot of surprises on me, and I'm really glad they do. Once again, this installment didn't disappoint. The range of emotions and experiences in it was real and grounded, as well as humorous and positive. And there's never a dull moment. ;)
Although it reads like a standalone, I recommend going back and catching up with the series to see how it all started. Be warned though, you'll get addicted to it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had to make the world stop so I could finish this book! Amazing! This book made me love these characters even more and now I want more!

[Laura Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fifth TSK story, Peyton and Brice are once again settling into a new norm for their growing family. That also extends to changes in their church and extended families.

For fans of the series, this novel delivers answers and resolution for a couple of storylines--some reaching all the way back to book one. This will definitely satisfy fans of the rest of the series. The main and secondary characters continue to evolve the more we get to know them.

And while Peyton and Brice's story gets more layers, Brea Brown also shows her continued development as a writer. There are parts of this story that were so well-crafted and -told, I was speechless.

Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions. Like the other stories in the series there's a range of serious humor, happiness, pain and love. I hope it isn't too spoilery to say that this book offers the funniest, happiest, agonizing and romantic scenes of the series.

(I ugly cried at least three times. While I'm a bit of a crier, it takes a much deeper emotional connection to the characters and story make my chest hurt the way it did. That's impressive.)

One of the greatest strengths of this series is how it addresses questions of faith and religion without giving definitive answers or being preachy. It's a completely unique reading experience. You get chick lit, philosophy and depth.

I'll be thinking a lot about this story in the coming days as I process everything P&B experienced in this book and since we met them at the start of their relationship. I'll have a lot of feeling to do, too.

I'm a mixture of excitement, sadness and even fear as I look forward to the release of the final chapter of this riveting series, due out later this year.

[Glynis Astie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every one of the Secret Keeper books thus far, but this one really got to me. I experienced a roller-coaster ride of emotions and LOVED every minute of it. The drama continues for Peyton and Brice as they wrestle with whether or not to expand their family in the hopes of adding a girl to their brood of boys. Peyton's relationships with her friends change in ways she didn't expect while she struggles to hold herself together through the stress of having so many young children needing her attention simultaneously. Brice is his usual priceless self and life is certainly more interesting for the Northams with Jared and Mitzi so close by! You will laugh uproariously, ponder some serious life questions and even shed a few tears. I had such a hard time putting this book down that I hid in the kitchen so I could read few more pages. It's THAT good!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still interested in what my friends are up to at the end of book 5. How can the series be over after the next book? It will be interesting to see how it is wrapped up...I think I shouldn't say it before reading the last one but, Brea Brown, you could go on with theses characters...think Jan Karon's Mitford series. There are 13 books plus spinoffs for that series. Just sayin'! Of course, I didn't want the Harry Potter series to end, either. *sigh*

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series & I hope there are more coming....