Secrets, Glenbrooke Series #1
4.2
5
18
18
everybody has secrets
"Secrets" by Robin Jones Gunn is the first novel in the Glenbrooke series. This is the second book I have read from the series, "Echoes" being the first, but book number three I think. I haven't read them in order. Apparently it doesn't matter. Jessica is the main character from "Secrets." Jessica is running from something (that's the secret) and has come to Glenbrooke, Oregon. When she comes into town, she has a car accident and meets Kyle, every girl's dream guy. Jessica has no money, even going without food for days, she comes up with a new identity, and starts her life completely over. "Secrets" follows her journey to both finding her new self and God.
I really like this series. The characters are great, the romance is sweet, yet still adult. There is no sexual content, but it is still an important part of the story. Jessica's boss plays the villain; she is out to find out the secret and expose whatever it is. Jessica is a good role model for younger readers plus she doesn't come off as annoying for us more mature readers. The Christianity in the book isn't the "agree with me or go to hell" variety. It is a more personal choice that Jessica is to consider. The other characters tend to be Christian, but not overbearing. Good book. B
May 7, 2013
Another Go Around
Secrets
Robin Jones Gunn
Book Description: The Glenbrooke Series Jessica ran from her past...but can she hide from love? Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in OregonâÂÂs Willamette Valley as the place to start overâÂÂGlenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meetsâÂÂincluding the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her. Will JessicaâÂÂs deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all? This heartwarming bestseller, book one in the Glenbrooke series, introduces the fascinating people of Glenbrooke in a compelling tale of romance and spiritual truth.
Review: I enjoyed this book the first time I read it and again this time. It was the first Christian fiction book I ever bought and for that alone means a lot to me. I loved the mystery that surrounds this character and the people, some of whom become lead characters later. This was a soothing story for anyone who was or is wayward in life, faith or with others. I liked and continue to use index cards with scripture on them. To this day it is one of my favorite things to do and use for book markers and to memorize. I thought the story line was well developed and the main characters well written. I am glad that I had another chance to read this story.
I would like to thank Blogging for books and Waterbrook for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
March 13, 2013
Terrific storytelling
Secrets is the first book in the Glenbrooke Series and the first book I have read by Robin Jones Gunn. The story is about Jessica after she arrives in the small town of Glenbrook, Oregon looking for a new start. The author is a terrific story teller. Her characters were believable and interesting; the plot was intriguing with a bit of mystery (Jessica is keeping a secret). The story provided important truths that Jessica came to understand such as learning to trust people and surrendering to GodâÂÂs plans.
I recommend Secrets to readers from middle school age to adult who enjoy Christian fiction/romance/series books.
March 11, 2013
An Enjoyable Visit to Glenbrooke
I've long been a fan of Robin Jones GunnâÂÂlike since middle school! I read most of The Glenbrooke Series a few years after they originally released and was excited to see that WaterBrook Multnomah has recently re-released them with updated covers. I thought it was high time to go back for a visit to Glenbrooke and am so glad I did!
Secrets is the first book in the series. Jessica arrives in Glenbrooke looking for a new start. It seems like bad things continually happen to Jessica upon her arrival and she questions her choices. Slowly but surely, though, her new friends start getting through her self-imposed defenses and she realizes that she must trust othersâÂÂand most importantly, GodâÂÂto help her as she faces trials.
While this book may be "old," the timeless messages of trusting in God and the need for relationships come through loud and clear. I think Jessica's desire for independence and resistance to asking for help are characteristics that many readers will be able to relate to. And the way that various characters throughout the book come to her aid and teach her about having a relationship with the Lord is both genuine and heartfelt. The romance between Jessica and Kyle is so sweet, even if it developed a little quickly for my tastes. Overall, the story is very touching, and I am happy to recommend Secrets to readers of all agesâÂÂfrom high school to adults. [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my fair and honest review.
February 24, 2013