True love never fades–and old secrets never die… Nora hasn’t looked back. Not since she fled Texas to start a new life. Away from her father’s volatile temper and the ever-watchful gaze of her claustrophobically conservative small town, Nora has freed herself. She can live–and love–however she wants. The only problem is that she also left behind the one woman she can’t forget. Now tragedy … Now tragedy calls her back home to confront her past–and reconcile her future.
Sophie seems to have everything–a wonderful daughter, a successful husband and a rewarding career. Yet underneath that perfection lies an explosive secret. She still yearns for Nora–her best friend and first love–despite all the years between them. Keeping her true self hidden hasn’t been easy, but it’s been necessary. So when Sophie finds out that Nora has returned, she hopes Nora’s stay is short. The life she has built depends on it.
But they both find that first love doesn’t fade easily. Memories come to light, passion ignites and old feelings resurface. As the forces of family and intolerance that once tore them apart begin to reemerge, they realize some things may never change–unless they demand it.
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The story of Nora and Sophie’s passionate second-chance journey to their happy-ever-after despite small town prejudices and past hurts lends itself highly adaptable to film. All the elements are there: fully fleshed-out characters, complicated relationships, well-described small town setting, timely subjects, and involving storytelling.
Complete review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.
Content advisory: homophobia, alcoholism, cheating
I adore LGBTQ stories, but I’m ashamed to admit that all of my reads have been predominantly m/m. The Secret of You and Me is my first f/f read, but do you know what?! The Secret of You and Me was one of the best second chance romance stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading!
Nora and Sophie’s story had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. My poor heartstrings were being pulled left, right and centre. In fact, scratch that rollercoaster analogy – it was like being on the waltzers. And I hate the flipping waltzers but call me a masochist (shut it!), I loved every heart stopping word of their journey *sighs*.
Has ever a love story been so hard fought?! But if anything is worth fighting for it’s love. Sorry, my sap level is currently set to high *palms face* Fair warning, I may start gushing soon. (Hormones have a lot to answer for, don’t they?!)
Secrets and lies abound in TSoYaM. I may say I don’t, but you all know I love a bit of angst and, boy, did I get it! I wanted to do some head knocking (quelle surprise). I may have also threatened certain pieces of a character’s anatomy *shrugs*. I apologise for nothing. It was very much deserved…
Yet doesn’t the truth always find a way to be revealed? At the end of the day, don’t we at least have to be true to ourselves? I’m all about the questions today, aren’t I? Oops! *snorts*
I cried (a few times!). In fact, the end of Chapter Twenty One had me sobbing my heart out. I’m such an ugly crier *rolls eyes*.
As you can imagine, TSoYaM tackles some sensitive issues and the tricky subject of prejudice. *sighs* I hate that is still a very real issue in our world today. I keep my fingers crossed for one day, one day, when who we love no longer matters.
Yes, *nods* I agree. This is definitely one of my most cryptic reviews to date. I just want you to go in blind and let Nora and Sophie tell you their story their way. Are they without flaws, heck no, but doesn’t that make them all the more relatable? Oops, I did it again *giggles*.
I was amazed at how quick I read this book. I just got lost and didn’t want it to end.
My first Melissa Lenhardt read, and I hope, by no means by last.
The Secrets of You and Me tells a beautiful story of one’s first love ! Do you remember yours? Nora left everything behind an ex bf & BFF Sophie, when she fled Texas. A tragedy brings her home and Nora realizes she’ll have to make amends & confront her feelings. Sophie now has a family but seeing Nora brings back memories. Can Nora & Sophie rebuild their friendship and forgive girl code? Can Sophie deny her feelings any longer? Nora & Sophie are wonderful characters and very much relatable as best friends they grew up and grew apart.