Secrets (The Michelli Family Series Book #1): A Novel [Kindle Edition]

Kristen Heitzmann (Author)

Book Description

Lance Michelli is on a quest to discover the secrets his grandmother cannot tell. What happened all those years ago, and what is it she so desperately needs him to find? The old villa in Sonoma holds the answers, but it is now owned by a young woman who neither knows nor cares about his mission. But Rese Barret is a force to contend with, and her own impending storm could sweep him up as their sparring creates a fierce and uncomfortable attraction. From bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"a wonderful combination of contemporary fiction, romance and mystery, with a strong faith message that is neither preachy nor condescending." -- Bookloons.com

"fast-paced and complex love story, enhanced by a riveting mystery. Lance is a keeper as a hero and Rese adorable." -- Romantic Times

...sparring and humorous conflict between the main characters contrasts poignantly with heart-rending mysteries of their lives...a stirring read. -- Christian Book Previews

About the Author

Kristen Heitzmann is a full-time writer and bestselling author of twelve previous novels including Halos and The Still of Night. She and her family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Product Details

• File Size: 812 KB
• Print Length: 410 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764228277
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2004)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008AV8J6I
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
  • #16 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Romance
  • #17 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Romance > Inspirational > Christian

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 112 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow December 1, 2004

By Sarah N. Horton

Format:Paperback

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Heitzmann, and I'll surely be back for more. This story is not in my ususal genre, but I sure did like it. Heitzmann is a wonderful character crafter. This story really gets in deep under the skin and into the souls of the characters. It made me cry more than once. I was also impressed by her ability to describe scenery-I felt as though I was actually there.

The themes of this book are: trust in your abilities, trust in others, but above all, trust in the Lord. An amazing story with an amazing purpose.

Highly recommended.

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Faith Tested and Redeemed with a Side of Romance January 4, 2005

By FictionAddiction.NET

Format:Paperback

Secrets is a romantic mystery between two people who seek truth, but flounder in secrets from the past and present. Lance Michelli has always been a rebel, but not the typical bad guy rebel.

With his motorcycle, long hair and earring, he looked the part, but his rebellions often resulted from trying to do the right thing without thinking of the consequences first. After the untimely death of his brother, Lance is determined to follow in his brother's footsteps by doing things the right way.

When Lance's grandmother falls ill, she begs him to finish something for her, but she can't communicate all that she needs to tell him. That leaves Lance traveling to Italy to look up an old relative who can shed some light on the thing Nonna needs Lance to do for her. The trip to Italy leads him to California to the cottage where his grandmother was raised and where Reece Barret has started renovations to turn it into a bed and breakfast.

After the death of her father, Reece pours everything she knows into the renovation of the cottage as a final tribute to her life with her father. When Lance appears on her doorstep looking for a job and able to do all the things Reece doesn't like to do, she hires him on the spot. Lance has a way of getting Reece to open up and talk about things she has never told anyone before.

Lance also heightens Reece's hunger for God by the way he lives and the things he talks about. Lance shares his faith and his Bible with her.

As she begins to trust him and seek God, Lance is learning more and more about his family's connection to the cottage, but he can't tell Reece for fear she will question his motives for befriending her. Lance knows he must come clean and convinces himself that he will once he put all the pieces together, but will Reece find out what he's up to before he has a chance to tell her?

From skeletons in the cellar and ghosts in the attack, Secrets is a page-turner from beginning to the end. And for those who crave romance, the electricity between Lance and Reece will keep you guessing.

63 of 69 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A First Time Read For Me...But It Won't Be The Last! November 15, 2004

By Kristi Ahlers

Format:Paperback

This is the first time I've ever read anything by Ms.Heitzmann so I came to this story with both an open mind and open heart. Without going into a long and detailed synopsis suffice it to say that this is a strongly driven character read that will have the reader glued to the pages if only to see how Lance and Rese will finally deal with all of the baggage that they both carry.

This story is full of rich and wonderful characters (including a dog that likes to ride a Harley) and wonderful descriptive scenes regarding Sonoma (I'm from this part of California) that places the reader right in the heart of this wonderful part of California. Ms. Heitzmann uses the secrets of Nonna as another vehicle for this story, and as a result the mystery surrounding her request of Lance will also keep the reader firmly engaged. Rese may seem unlikable in the beginning of this story, but readers should give her a chance before writing her off. Lance on the other hand seems almost too perfect except we the reader know from the beginning that he has a secret of his own. As a result of this push and pull the romance between Rese and Lance is strongly written, and the reader can believe that they are truly falling in love with each other. For a well-rounded read I highly recommend Ms. Heitzmann's "Secrets". You won't be disappointed.

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

More About the Author

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense and historical novels, including Christy Award winner Secrets and finalists Indivisible and The Tender Vine. An artist and mountain hiker, Kristen lives in Colorado with her husband, Jim, and extended family.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#71 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#71 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality