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A review by tigerlilliereads
The Secret of You and Me by Melissa Lenhardt
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuassion this story centers around a small town in Texas where two best friends fell in love as teenagers but then were separated for a range of reasons. When Nora returns to her small town with small views for the funeral of her father she has to contend with the past she was trying so hard to run away from.., whereas Sophie has to come to terms with what she really wants.
A story about true identity, acceptance, trust and lies, family, small towns and ultimately love.
I sped through this book, the characters are complex and real, the story - one of heartbreak and desperation. I loved how the main characters were in the midst of their lives, how that made everything more realistic and yet more complicated for them. Despite some spiteful characters, the story is one of hope and hope for anyone out there who is scared to show their true selves or has to hide from others.
The only thing I would say is that the couple dynamic and constant arguing, sniping at each other doesn’t give a positive light on the relationship, but considering the circumstances.., they both come with a lot of baggage and I think that’s the biggest point of this… coming out later on in life comes with a lot more baggage.
A story about true identity, acceptance, trust and lies, family, small towns and ultimately love.
I sped through this book, the characters are complex and real, the story - one of heartbreak and desperation. I loved how the main characters were in the midst of their lives, how that made everything more realistic and yet more complicated for them. Despite some spiteful characters, the story is one of hope and hope for anyone out there who is scared to show their true selves or has to hide from others.
The only thing I would say is that the couple dynamic and constant arguing, sniping at each other doesn’t give a positive light on the relationship, but considering the circumstances.., they both come with a lot of baggage and I think that’s the biggest point of this… coming out later on in life comes with a lot more baggage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Homophobia, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Death of parent, Addiction, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, and Sexism