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Once Upon a Secret

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ONCE UPON A SECRET Catherine Andorka ISBN 1-8932108-16-3 Neighborhood Press Available now

Contemporary Romance Location: Chicago

Tori Glenn is a Chiroprator who is raising her fifteen year old brother Keven after her parent's death. Brad Daniels is a famous rock star who is performing in concert in her area. Kevin won a state-wide contest for young journalists and has an interview with Brad Daniels. He and his sister attend the concert and have back stage passes. While Tori is a conservative woman, she finds herself immediately attracted to Brad. She holds herself back believing he has plenty of women throwing themselves at him. She's suffered a broken heart once and is afraid to open herself up to be hurt again. Besides, they are complete opposites with different lifestyles. But Brad is not the typical rock star. He is not a womanizer and has many of the same values as Tori. Her skill as a Chiroprator comes in handy when Brad is injured by over enthusiastic fans. The first thrust of infatuation grows swiftly into love but along with their closeness is his fear that she'll find out his secret. He uses various ruses to cover up the problem which he is afraid will put an irreversible rift in their in their relationship. Even though he's a success as what he does, his self-esteem in certain areas is low. They are two wounded souls finding love and fullfillment in each other. Despite the difficulties they encounter it is obvious these two are meant for each other. Major publishers have expressed their prejudice against rock stars in romance books claiming the readers can't identify with the life style. Perhaps that is one of the reasons this author chose epublishing. however, Catherine Andorka bridges that gap by creating a female protagonist who approaches the rock scene as we might have. Brad is not the usual coke head, ego maniac star either but a man looking for acceptance, love, and family. As I read the book I was charmed by the characters, and pleased by the flawless writing style of the author. As with so many of the ebooks I've reviewed lately, I'm amazed at the quality of writing. I hope that epublishing achieves the success of traditional book publishing so that talented authors like Catherine Andorka get the recognition they are due.

reviewed by Bea Sheftel

I've always been drawn to the charm of rock stars, and Brad Daniels was no exception. The author expressed the character's "human side" very well. Additionally, I found it easy to relate to the heroine. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who have ever had a rock and roll fantasy!!!

For a long time now, publishing houses of category romance have stated vehemently they would not publish books whose heroes were musicians or rock stars.

Catherine Andorka has not only made a clean break of the unwritten rule, but has done so with excellence in her novel entitled, "Once Upon A Secret."

The hero, Brad Daniels, is "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy." He seems to have everything going for him, talent, success, money, good-looks and charm. But Brad has a secret.

The book does not dwell on a rock star's life, though it does give a glimpse into the hectic, fast-paced, lack-of-privacy lifestyle of the music industry.

The painful secret Brad Daniels has carried with him and how he has managed to keep it from others for years is an examination into the hero's character and intelligence. Insight is given into the way people compensate and mask-over flaws, defects, and imperfections, and the lengths they will go to camouflage or conceal them even if not necessary.

Brad discovers the effect he has on the heroine, Tori Glenn a strong-willed chiropractor, and the powerful influence he wields over her teenage brother Kevin. Drastic measures must be taken to free him of the restrictions his secret has imposed on his life, and that of the woman he loves. How he deals with the hidden information and the manner in which he frees himself of its restrictions is a credit to the creative talent of author Catherine Andorka.

The book is compelling, informative, touching, and eye opening. The depth of each character sets the stage as the true focus, Brad's secret, impressively unfolds through the pages of this novel.

For a superior read that will tug at your heartstrings---become spellbound by the tale of "Once Upon A Secret" by Catherine Andorka.

Published by Five Star, 2002 ISBN 0-7862-4601-4

I hated for Once Upon A Secret to end because I had bonded with the characters, except Leona Farnsworth, of course. Although I never thought I would have much concern for a rock star, Catherine Andorka created a very endearing character in Brad Daniels. Chiropractor, Dr. Tori Glenn, was instantly captivating. I found it refreshing to read a 'Romance' novel
that had deep family values and a well written love scene allwrapped up together. Ms. Andorka has managed to write an exciting and caring book which she magically centered with a very serious and painfully difficult issue. I recommend this book to all who love romance but also desire to expand their understanding/empathy of the sometimes painful parts of life many keep hidden from others. Very well done, Catherine!!

Once Upon a Secret is a very satisfying novel that goes beyond the standard romance and touches on other issues in people's lives. Her characters are alive and the dialogue is moving. It's refreshing to read about a rock star and a small-town doctor and how they negotiate the differences in their diverse lives.

A great romance. Who said you can't write a rock star hero and pull it off? Cathy Andorka has written a wonderful romance. If you are looking for characters to care about who learn and grow read this book.I look forward to this author's next book.

Once Upon A Secret by Catherine Andorka grabed me from the beginning and held my attention right to the very end. A reader from Illinois

I loved this book--it goes to show you that rock stars are people too! I wasn't sure at my age if I could get into a rock star hero, however, this was such a refreshing change from the usual "same old, same old." How nice to read about a heroine with strength and brains, instead of a "princess" waiting for her white knight to come and rescue her. The "secret" in this book is presented in a unique way, and makes the characters all the more human. I am certainly looking forward to this author's next book. Bravo!

Rock star Brad Daniels teaches Tori Glenn to rediscover the fun in life. But caretaker Tori discovers something equally important about Brad - the one thing that he doesn't want his public to know. A charming, feel-good tale with characters we truly care about. Ms. Andorka's first book promises great things to come.

After the death of her parents, Dr. Tori Glenn assumed the responsibility of caring for her younger brother Kevin. She instilled in him the high educational standards her parents would have expected if they had lived. She is very proud of his latest accomplishment of winning the statewide contest for young journalists. His prize included an interview with famous rock star Brad Daniels. Although a rock star with the reputation "Rock Music's Sexiest Bad Boy" is not the type of ideal role model she would have picked to influence her brother, she still shows her support by accompanying him to the concert and interview. Upon meeting Brad, she is surprised that he is nothing like she had envisioned him, his kindness to her and her brother is very heart-warming.

Brad Daniels was on top of his career as one of rocks leading male vocalists. He felt that he had the world at his fingertips-but something was missing that would make his life complete. When eager fan injuries his hand, and endangers him canceling the concert in steps in Dr. Tori Glenn to the rescue. Tori is a Chiropractor who has come to his concert with her younger brother, who is schedule to do a backstage interview with him. Her kind and compassionate nature appeals to his baser senses. Could she be what his life is lacking? Will he be able to convince her that his lifestyle and image is nothing like the tabloids have fabricated

Catherine Andorka is the type of author you know you are going to enjoy within minutes of reading the first few pages of her latest novel. It is rare to find an author with talent and ambition to write "outside the box" themes that bring to light characters that are facing very real and emotional issues. From the moment I first read the blurb of ONCE UPON A SECRET, I knew this was a novel and author I must track down. I am pleased that I listened to my six sense, for it has led me to not only a book to treasure, but an author who I feel is one of the most talented in the industry. Her flawless writing style is to be admired and commended.