The Secret Between Us

By: Barbara Delinsky

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Nothing will break this mother-daughter bond. Not even the truth.

Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident. Her decision then turns into a deception that takes on a life of its own and threatens the special bond between mother and daughter.
The Secret Between Us is an unforgettable story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the terrible consequences of a lie gone wrong. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has delivered a riveting study of family and a superbly crafted novel, perfectly targeted to fans of provocative fiction.

“Delinsky delves deeper into the human heart and spirit with each new novel.”–Cincinnati Enquirer

Critic reviews

People Magazine has called the work of bestselling author Barbara Delinsky “Engrossing reading!”

“Delinsky delves deeper into the human heart and spirit with each new novel.”
—Cincinnati Enquirer

"Relationships are brought to the limit in Delinsky's splendid latest exploration of family dynamics.... [The Secret Between Us] combines her understanding of human nature with absorbing, unpredictable storytelling--a winning combination."
--Library Journal, (starred)

“One of her best… Delinsky is a first-rate storyteller who creates believable, sympathetic characters who seem as familiar as your neighbors.”
–The Boston Globe

“Provocative… Delinsky is interested in how the lies we tell for love can destroy us instead–and she lays out this particular deception so painstakingly that even the most honest reader will sympathize.”
–People

“Delinsky offers a polished drama… creating sympathetic characters with personal problems. Well-crafted and satisfying. “ –Kirkus

“Delinsky treads the same domestic themes as fellow best-seller Jodi Picoult.” —Entertainment Weekly

good read

This was a good book - my only complaint was the narrator - her voice seemed to linger at the end of each word. Only frustration - plus I didn’t like the whiny voice for two of the characters

Easy read, but a predictable story line.

I have enjoyed this author in past book. This one lacked depth. Will read other books by her.

Great narration elevates story

3.5 STARS

While driving, sixteen-year-old Grace hits and kills her teacher. Her mother Dr Deborah Morton takes the blame throwing Grace into a downward spiral of guilt.

Deborah wants to protect her daughter from pain and consequences, but in doing so, she makes the situation so much worse. As a child psychologist, I’ve seen this situation to a much smaller degree. Protecting kids from consequences is usually more about the parents’ needs than the kids, which is the case in THE SECRET BETWEEN US. Barbara Delinsky shows how Deborah came about perfectionism from her father’s high expectations.

Grace is the hero of the story. Her conscience bothers her and she doesn’t want to lie. She’s more of a parent in the situation than her mom.

Delinsky created a complex family with layers of issues including drinking, divorce, adultery, parenting, visual impairment and grief.

I enjoyed reading THE SECRET BETWEEN US. If not for the very convenient ending, I’d have rated another star.

bad narration

I do not love the narration on this book. the narrator is kind of drab and has a bad lisp with s's that is very distracting. I'm going to try to stick it out as I love Barbara Delinsky novels. I guess, I got spoiled on the last narration of a different Delinsky novel because it was spot on. I wish authors would stick with the same good narrator!

Predictable... no climax

This had real potential but it almost feels like the author got bored and just didn’t want to keep going so rather than have a climax to the story she quickly had a lot of convenient things happen in the story line to just end it.