The Secret of Lies

by Barbara Forte Abate

Named a Finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, 2nd place for Newbie Fiction-Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Honorable Mention Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Finalist Global eBook Awards Includes Book... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0615604218
• ISBN13: 9780615604213
• Release Date: March 2012
• Publisher: Halcyon Moon Books
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Debut Novel

I liked this book for many reasons, but mainly because the language is so vivid and fluid. Barbara Forte Abate captures her reader's attention from the opening paragraph as we go on a tormented journey with Stevie, the main character. The writing is rich and nicely captures the competition and bond between sisters, as well as the conflict and dysfunction of most families. The book has a delightful mixture of humor, drama and tenderness. The dialogue fits these unique characters. I enjoyed the author's well-sketched characters -- Aunt Smyrna, Uncle Cal, Eleanor, Jake and Ash -- they each tug at our emotions and force us to delve deeper into each chapter and turning point. I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the written word and a story well-told.

Couldn't put It Down

I took the book as my summer beach read and it was a perfect fit. The only problem was that I spent more time reading each day than I had planned. I was supposed to be enjoying my time swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and lying in the bright , hot sun. Lucky for me, we had a nice rainy day for me to finish the book, so I could happily get back to my vacation knowing the end of Stevie's story. I can't wait for her next book.

A Great Read

When I picked up the Secret of Lies, I was not expecting to become so involved! Every well developed character can be identified with, and you find yourself trapped and unwilling to put this novel down. I read The Secret of Lies in less than 24 hours because I HAD to know what happened next; there were so many unexpected twists and turns that kept you guessing the whole time. Beyond a story that pulls you in, this novel is also extremely well written (I read A LOT of books). The descriptions and words are rich and flow in an almost poetic sense. It truly was a treat. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, man or woman, because it really is just a great read. You WILL enjoy this wonderful novel. My only complaint would be a couple word usage mistakes, but they in no way take away from this amazing story or it's message. I will be watching out for Forte Abate's next work, I know that she has plenty to bring to the table. Brilliant.

A Real Page Turner!!!

As an avid reader it usually takes a lot to impress me. This book did just that! I would pick up this book just to read one chapter and then I would find myself compelled to read 5 more chapters because I wanted to find out what happened next. I love the suspense and the twists and turns this book has to offer. The characters are also another amazing aspect. There was some charters I hated so much that I literally wanted to reach inside the pages of the book and choke them. There were some charters I loved so much I felt my heart ache for them. Ash is definitely an all time favorite. In fact, one of my only complaints is I wish I knew more about him. Reading "The Secret of Lies" stirred up a lot of emotions as I read it. I also liked that it was realistic, not everything is perfect, not everyone has a happy ending. I really recommend this book!!! Just one more complaint...it made me late to work because I couldn't put it down!

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

I have never read a book as intense as this book is. It is brilliantly written, and at times my husband swears I was saying, "No, you jerk, or don't you dare." That is how powerful this story line is. Eleanor twelve and her sister Stevie ten, leave their hometown of Callicoon, Pennsylvania to spend their vacation with their Aunt Smyrna and Uncle Cal at their summer home on Long Island, where the days are filled with swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and the sisters unending pursuit of an intriguing and mysterious boy. That is until the summer of 1957...Eleanor is now seventeen and Stevie fifteen. What happened that summer is something that has to be kept a secret, or so Aunt Smyrna tells Stevie. Stevie is trapped in a vortex and it is not only destroying her teenage years but carries over into her adult life. How many lives are altered by one moment in time, one decision made in that moment? How many moments does it take too completely and irreversibly alter one's life? To tell you more will ruin what makes this book so great. It is a must buy for your own personal library. In our economy today buying a book can be a luxury. I would buy this book.