I am a big fan of Ms. Gohlke previous works and love anything to do with World War 2 so I was utterly delighted to receive this book to review. When it arrived in the mail I devoured it very quickly. I have incredibly mixed feelings about this book, it was a very easy read, well written and engaging and yet I found after I finished it that it left me feeling sad. It was hard to read about the Lieselotte of the past and reconcile her with what version Hannah saw. I loved the part of the story from the past, but was depressed with the present. I just felt like there was so much tragedy and heartbreak and that bothered me. I am probably a bit overly sensitive with being a new Mom myself but it broke my heart that the character of Hannah did not feel loved by her own Mother.:(
So was this well written? Yes, it flew by, had an interesting story line with a lot going on, intriguing characters and was rich in historical detail. Despite all of that I left reading this book very sad and bothered for lives wasted and children who grow up not feeling wanted
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you, Bethany, for reading and reviewing Secrets She Kept. I'm glad you were captivated by the story, and so agree that it was sad in some significant ways. Our experiences can, as you pointed out, sometimes waste our lives or not, depending on the choices we make. Congratulations on being a new Mom--I'm sure with such a heart for your child you will be a great one. God bless!
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