His Secret Family: An absolutely emotional page turner

· Bookouture
4.3
17 reviews
Ebook
350
Pages

About this ebook

It’s a beautiful day for a wedding. White roses scent the air and the summer sunlight streams in. A spoon chimes against a champagne flute and the room falls silent. And there he is – my husband – getting to his feet to propose a toast. He’s still handsome. His new wife is next to him, gazing upwards, oblivious.


I’m not supposed to be here. All these years in the same town and I had no idea until I saw his name on the seating plan. He lived with me, once. Loved me. Small-town memories are long, but the people in this room don’t want to remember.


They say the healing is in letting go, but after what he did, he needs to know we haven’t gone away just because he’s shut his eyes.


So I take Daisy by the hand and step forward from the shadows. He notices us and his eyes widen. The champagne glass falls from his hand and smashes. Then he sags forward, making a terrible sound – a sort of strangled scream…


A powerfully emotional novel with a dark secret at its heart. This family drama will keep you hooked until the very last page. Perfect for fans of The Silent Wife, Kate Hewitt and Jodi Picoult.


What readers are saying about His Secret Family:

‘Absolutely fantastic, had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from this author. Storyline was great, characters were easy to connect with.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

 

‘Wow, this novel packed a lot more “feels” that I expected!... A quick read for me because I HAD to see how this emotional read would end... There was great character development... twists and turns that took me by surprise! I am looking forward to reading more from Ali Mercer in the future!’ Steph and Chris’s Book Review

 

‘A book that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go. It is well written and full of emotions. This is a “Must Read”!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars


‘Absolutely brilliant and had me gripped from cover to cover! I found the writing style to be very captivating and the characters to be immaculately developed... Would highly recommend!’ NetGalley Reviewer


‘Compelling. Heart-breaking. The character development was superb. It was an emotional read... an evocative story that left its imprint. I highly recommend this book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars


‘Ali Mercer writes with heart and soul... well written, true-to-life... Each character is lovingly developed and all-so-human. Secrets abound and the reader won't know them all until the end. A definite for your TBR list!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars


‘It had me from the start. There were so many levels to this book... I could not put it down. You will want to read this.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars


‘This is a powerful family domestic drama filled with emotion and secrets. The story is well developed with lovable “real” characters that you find yourself very invested in. A captivating story that kept me hooked until the end.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 


‘Very emotional. Sure to pull at your heart... make sure you have got tissues... very beautifully written... a must read’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars


‘A family drama that will tug at your heart... This is a page turner that had me captivated from the start. Great read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars


‘Excellent book... Could not put the book down. A real page turner. This book is a must.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars


‘I was hooked and gripped from the beginning. Sometimes with things taking me by surprise! You must read this... a superb book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars


‘I did not want this book to end... a great book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars


‘Hard to put down... It’s gripping and emotional and will keep you entertained to the end.’ NetGalley Reviewer


‘Such an emotional book, written with care and elegance. A really great read that I enjoyed thoroughly.’ NetGalley Reviewer 

Ratings and reviews

4.3
17 reviews
Lee Husemann
September 11, 2019
What a captivating, true-to-life story this is. I was hooked from the very first pages of this story of divorced mum Jenny who is struggling to raise two daughters, 11 year-old Ellie and 16-year-old Ava, working as a stylist. The story is told with each chapter from the point of view of each character which makes it very interesting and full of twists. Jenny connects with Mark, a former love interest from before she was married to former husband, Sean. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this powerfully emotional book in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book.
1 person found this review helpful
Marnie Harrison
September 13, 2019
It is not very often that I will stray away from reading crime fiction, but every now and then a book in another genre will get my attention, which was the case for His Secret Family. I was intrigued immediately from reading the blurb and I just had to read this to find out more and how it would all unfold. Ali doesn’t waste any time in getting things going with an opening that hooks you in straight away and leaves you on a cliffhanger. From there, you take a ride on an emotional rollercoaster where you are not let off until the final page. Ali has crafted a story that covers topics of secrets, lies, infidelity, family drama, marriage, mental illness, loss, grief, autism, acceptance and ones need for perfection, which are entwined with twists and turns including a tragedy that will break your heart. Make sure you have the tissues handy! Told in alternating chapters from the perspective of four women over different time periods, each one adds a layer to the story which is expertly done without it becoming too overwhelming with all of these points of view. The common denominator for all of these women is one man and the story follows how he has impacted each of these women’s lives. I found all of the characters to be written perfectly. Each one is complex and not without flaws. In a story like this it is to be expected and adds realism to it. Some were unlikable, others likeable which was the perfect balance. I really enjoyed Ali’s writing style. It is honest, raw, emotive and she has brought this story to life beautifully. Some of the topics covered in the book are at times hard to read, but Ali handles each one sensitively and compassionately. Ali is a new author to me and one that I am so glad to have been introduced to. She is an amazing storyteller and knows how to get a readers attention and how to keep them engaged and enthralled from go to woe. I look forward to reading more books from Ali. Thank-you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ali Mercer for allowing me to read an advanced copy of His Secret Family which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
2 people found this review helpful
Sharina S.
June 11, 2022
This book jumps from person to person. it is just a sad book and I didn't like it for that reason. Otherwise, it was ok.

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