Secrets and Lives

By: Marilyn Freeman

Narrated by: Virginia Ferguson

Sophie lives a comfortable life with her family in Bath before discovering that her mother, Joan, gave a baby up for adoption 40 years ago. Of course she could have had no idea what effect that decision was to have, not only on her son's life, but also on her own and her future family's.

Decisions made with the best of intentions, sometimes result in unintended consequences, as in this case. So it is that, unfortunately, when Joan's son re-enters her life without warning, he brings tragedy in his wake. This is a domestic thriller exploring themes familiar to many; nature v nurture, sibling rivalry, and abandonment issues, which can stimulate emotions so extreme that they become uncontrollable.

Suitable for reading groups and containing a handy discussion guide.

©2021 Marilyn Freeman (P)2021 Marilyn Freeman

What Secrets Can Do

Secrets have a way of coming out and they don’t affect just one person but like a pebble tossed in water, there is a ripple. This ripple can cause devastating harm, or it could be the most wonderful occurrence ever. During the 1970’s Joan had to make a decision; she chose to put her firstborn son up for adoption and then move forward with her own life. That one fateful decision haunted her until her death … by murder! After her mother’s death, Sophie discovers she has the older brother she always wanted and goes in search of him. The story centers around the secrets and lives of each person in this tale of murder, loss, and life.

The author, Marilyn Freeman creates a tale that explores the effects of decisions, outcomes, and emotions that is realistic and rich in its messages. The son, Peter, is abandoned in his mind but in his mother’s mind, she gave him what she could not – a new life that she believed to be open to possibilities. As listeners, we are given a deep insight into the thoughts and emotions of Peter which result in some devastating and deadly outcomes. Freeman continues to weave the story around these emotions, and we see a change come over Peter as he embraces Sophie for his sister. We witness the depth of love and acceptance he has always longed for in his growing relationship with Sophie and her family.

The narrator, Virginia Ferguson brings this thriller to life. Her performance is rich and clear. She injects the right amount of emotion around the decisions and the unfolding drama. She brings the story to life through her talented voice and accents.
This is a well-done story that shows the depth of emotions and what they can do when one is abandoned.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.