Secrets She Kept

Cathy Gohlke

Aug 2015 · NavPress

About this ebook

2016 Christy Award Winner! (Historical novel category)
2016 Carol Award Winner! (Historical category)
All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah determines to unlock the secrets of her mother’s mysterious past and is shocked to discover a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father is quickly ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, and a proper marriage for his daughter could help advance his career. Lieselotte is in love—but her beloved Lukas is far from an ideal match, as he secretly works against the Reich. Yet Lieselotte never imagined how far her father would go to ensure her cooperation.

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who is hiding wartimes secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past and how their legacy will shape her future.

Ratings and reviews

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke is a Christian historical novel set in 1972. Hannah Sterling’s mother, Lieselotte passed away recently. They were never close, but Hannah is having trouble getting over her death. Hannah is taking it out on her students and the principal is making her take a leave of absence. Hannah believes that if she looks into her mother’s past, maybe she can understand why she was so distant and cold. Hannah finds some letters that lead her to a grandfather in Germany. Will Hannah get the answers she desires in Germany? Lieselotte Sommer is a young girl in 1938 when things start to become difficult in Germany. Her father is working to quickly climb the ranks in the Nazi party. He wants to make sure his daughter makes a good match and then produces children (Hitler encouraged Aryans to marry and reproduce). Lieselotte has other plans. She works behind her father’s back to help the Jews in hiding along with the Kirchmann family. Lieselotte has cared for Lukus Kirchmann for quite some time. Will there relationship develop into something deeper? Will her father allow it? Secrets She Kept tells the stories of Hannah and Lieselotte. We get to find out what happened to Lieselotte that made her cold towards her daughter (and other people). Will Hannah be happy with what she discovers and can she then move on with her life? Secrets She Kept was an engaging novel. It was a little slow in places, but overall a good book. I give Secrets She Kept 4 out of 5 stars. The Christian theme is light (not in your face). Secrets She Kept teaches how destructive secrets can be in a family. Once you get into the novel, you will not want to put it down until you are done. I received a complimentary copy of Secrets She Kept from NetGalley and The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.