After twelve-year-old Rocky overhears Mom admit her story about how his dad died is bogus, his trust in his one remaining parent unravels. The For-Sale sign appears on the front lawn right after the funeral, forcing Rocky to leave the house linked to so many memories of his dad. Consumed by the secret and struggling to adjust to changing schools mid-year, Rocky is startled by the voice of his … of his dead father inside his head offering advice on how he could learn the truth.
Rocky does find a live and lively partner in Olive, who offers to be his assistant sleuth to help crack the secret. The pair’s schemes go bust, but they embolden Rocky to embark on a journey of risks, eavesdropping and snooping to discover the truth about the father he thought he knew.
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Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
5-Stars
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman was a fast-paced novel that easily pulled me in. I did not expect to get wrapped up in this book like I did. I could not put it down. Rocky was a realistic and likeable kid. He suffered a traumatic event when he lost his dad and that broke my heart. When his dad started talking to him out of nowhere it shook him up. I loved his reaction and felt he did a good job in handling his freak out. Olive, his new friend, was amazing as well. She was unique and I loved that she stepped up to befriend Rocky as the new kid. This was an excellent read and I highly recommend it!
At first I didn’t like the story but as it continued my mind changed. Rocky’s dad dies and he doesn’t understand why. He is given an explanation but it makes no sense. He is uprooted and his mother moves them. He has to learn to fit in at his school & make new friends but his #1 task is to find out the real reason his dad died no matter what. A great story.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman was a wonderfully told story. While the main characters are younger some people would consider this book a younger read, but the plot is very real to even a lot of adults. Her plot is fantastic, her settings are beautiful, and overall Ms. Nyman’s characters are wonderful. I actually read this book after reading it’s sequel and I can honestly say that I love both books equally and am looking forward to more books from Ms. Nyman.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman follows a tween boy, Rocky, on his quest for answers about the death of his father. Following his father’s death, Rocky’s mother sells their home and moves them into his grandfather’s house. On top of grieving his father, Rocky has to deal with a new school, new soccer team, and making new friends. In addition, he suspects his mother is lying to him about his father’s death. I enjoyed the twists and turns of Rocky’s investigative journey. I think Nyman does an excellent job presenting the facts surrounding his father’s death in a way that is age-appropriate for middle school readers. This book is the first of two about Rocky. I look forward to reading book number two, Spooked by a Suspicion.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman is a wonderful story starring two fantastic characters: Olive and Rocky. When Rocky’s dad dies, he sets out on a mission to discover the truth behind his passing, and we are taken along for the ride. This book touches on subjects that are both interesting and relatable for young readers. I specifically appreciate this book because the subject of suicide is something that needs to be talked more about, especially with young people. Readers of all ages will appreciate and simply devour this book from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last. 5 stars!
Rocky is your typical twelve year old kid, but he has had a string of unfortunate life changes recently, his dad died and he and his mum have moved away from his childhood home in Whitman, to live with his grandpa in Tucker. They moved straight after the funeral, away from everything that he knew, where all his memories were made and he couldn’t understand why and whenever he asked about it, instead of answering him, his mum would just shut down and ignore the question.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Rocky is trying to come to terms with his dads death, he also has to start a new school mid way through the school year and so has to go and meet with the new school counsellor, but he doesn’t engage as much as she wants him to, his mind is too filled of memories to concentrate, especially a specific memory where he overheard his and his best friend’s mum talking about what to tell him about the way he passed away which makes Rocky determined to find out what that secret is. However, his day doesn’t go smoothly when he suddenly hears a vey familiar voice as he is walking to his first class of the day, it is his dad’s voice, he runs into the nearest bathroom to try and calm his racing heart and has a conversation with the voice in his head, but should he be doing that and is it even possible?
He eventually gets to his class and after finding out how behind he is in this subject, he is paired up with a girl called Olive to help him catch up, she is a force of nature and completely steamrolls with a confidence Rocky wishes he had and he agrees to swap numbers and meet with her later. At lunch he comes across a kid who is rude and leaves him alone at his table before finding another and is joined by Olive, as they get to know each other and agree to meet up after school, they develop a study plan, but when they start really talking, Rocky opens up about the mystery he is trying to solve and Olive is more than happy to help him along the way. Will Rocky and Olive be able to reveal the secret haunting his past, or will they be stumped at every turn and how does his dad’s disembodied voice come into it, will it be a help, or a hindrance? This is a cozy mystery for all ages which deals with a lot of themes in an easy to read way which keeps you entertained while engaged throughout in this fantastic story of a young boys life changing after a very sad event.
This book was so heartfelt. It would get 10 stars if I could give it that. Rocky’s emotion’s were palpable from the beginning. Trying to fit in at a new school, having to move quickly and feeling that his mom was withholding secrets from him is a lot to deal with. Then comes a huge surprise to deal with. I was having to grab the tissues to have close. Rocky is a strong young man that was dealing with a lot and he did seem to find a good friend in Olive. He has a few adventures during the story that bring out his strength and show him how to stand up and ask his mother for answers. What a well-written book. The adult characters are supportive in Rocky’s life. Everything blends together and around him. I do agree with the author, this book is definitely intriguing to adults. I definitely recommend.
Swallowed by a Secret was a fantastic read geared towards pre-teens. The story follows Rocky as he is moved suddenly to a new town where he has to enter a new school in the middle of the year all while having just lost his dad. Risa did a great job at describing the difficulty of being the new kid and the fear and anxiety kids have. Rocky also finds himself questioning how his dad actually died and enlists his new fiend Olive to help him. Trigger warning for parents, discussion of mental illnesses using this book but Risa does a great job at addressing it. As a child who lived with parents suffering from various mental illnesses and having moved, I would have loved this book. Great job.
Twelve year old Rocky and his mom move in with his grandpa after his father passed away. Ironically enough, it’s not his dad’s passing that bothers him the most. He can still talk to his dad, but he wants to know why a perfectly healthy person’s heart just stops working. That just doesn’t make sense to Rocky and it doesn’t sit right with him. So, he gets Olive to help him figure out the big secret he believes his mom is hiding.
As an adult reading this book, having gone through the struggles of loved ones passing, I can say with absolute certainty that it would help bring someone comfort in hard times. I know it would have for me. It’s a novel I would recommend to anyone: big, small, old, young.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman introduces us to Rocky, a spunky 12 year old who recently lost his father. With the passing of his father, Rocky’s mother moves him to a new town to live with his grandpa. While trying to adjust to his new home, new school, and life without his father, Rocky overhears a shocking secret. Rocky’s dad didn’t really die because “his heart stopped.” This sends Rocky on an investigation to discover the truth about his father’s death and why he isn’t allowed to return to his hometown.
Swallowed by a Secret is a fantastic novel that deals with a very heavy subject. I believe it could be helpful to millions of teens around the world to read about Rocky’s adventure and what he discovers. Accepting things about those we love can be hard, but in the end, Rocky knows his father loved him and that he was great person. Full of teen angst over normal things like a new school, all the way up to adjusting to life without his father, Rocky is a wonderfully developed character. His friendship with Olive is fun, and shows what a true friend should be. I loved this story! 5/5 Stars!
While I figured out early on what the secret was, Rocky’s path to get there is worth the journey. And it’s appropriate for the intended age of the middle grade reader. It engaging, clean, and deals with some difficult subjects in a subtle manner.
Risa Nyman creates relatable characters like Rocky and his new friend Olive. She’s good for Rocky because of her directness, her willingness to help him out, and her concern for him when it’s required.
Swallowed by a Secret is about family, friendships, and the pain secrets, even when kept with the best of intentions, can cause. But in the end, there is healing, and Rocky is stronger for it.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman is her debut book and the story of a young boy who has lost his father but all may not be as it seems. The story is engaging and deals with sensitive issues which Risa has done well. This tale evoked emotions from laughter to tears as we struggle along the way and go on this adventure with Rocky and his friend as they look into the mystery of his father’s disappearance. Even though the story is aimed at a younger audience I still found myself invested in the outcome.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
4 of 5 Stars
“One dead father. One lying mother”. Twelve year old Rocky overheard his Mum admit that the story she had told him of his fathers death was a lie. Rocky does not know how he can trust her following that revelation. Then soon after his fathers funeral a ‘For-Sale’ sign appears in front of their house, a house full of memories of his dad. Having moved house and having to start at a new school, Rocky suddenly hears the voice of his father, who is insisting that he return to his old town for answers, but can you take advice from a dead person? Rocky then makes a new friend in Olive who offers to be Rocky’s assistant sleuth and help him discover the truth. Rocky and Olive then go on a journey of risks, eavesdropping and snooping all to discover the truth about his father and find out why his mother lied. This is a contemporary mystery with an interesting storyline and great characters in Rocky and Olive. Both of the main characters were likeable and relatable and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book. It had me hooked from the start and I found it an emotional story, and one I felt fully immersed in whilst reading.
5 Star
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman is my first read and I can honestly say it won’t be my last. This story is aimed for ages nine to thirteen but can be read by older kids and adults as well. What an emotional journey this story takes us on. I found myself unable to put it down once I started reading. Rocky is a twelve year who has lost his father and is now moving and switching schools. He overhears his mom telling the truth about what happened to his dad . Rocky and his friend Olive set out to find the secret. Find out what happens next in this must read .I can’t wait to read more.
What a great story! Swallowed By A Secret by Risa Nyman is a great emotional story for preteens! In this story we meet Rocky. Rocky is a 12-year old boy who just lost his father. However, there is a twist to his father’s death that is a huge secret. Rocky is bound and determined to find out what that secret is. In the midst of everything, he has to move mid-year of school. The good news is he does befriend Olive who decides that she is going to help him find out what exactly happened to his dad. Olive is bright and cheerful and a great addition to this story. These two together come up with some disasters of ideas but together they are great! This was such awesome reading that I didn’t want to put the book down even though it was for preteens! It really was an emotional rollercoaster though so don’t forget the tissues! I really was impressed with the book and the writing style of this author. I can’t wait to read another book from her again!
This is the first book I read by Risa. I was hesitant because it’s listed as a children’s book but I enjoyed it. The mystery that surrounds it is interesting but remains a mystery until the end. It’s well-written and a very well-developed idea. Plenty of emotion with just as much realism. You’ll have to read to get to know Rocky and his story. But you’ll be as Enchanted as I was!!!
This story follows Rocky and the emotional roller coaster of his father’s death, moving to a new house and starting a new school. Then he finds out there is a secret behind his father’s death. He also looses his trust in his mother over this. Lucky for Rocky, he’s got his friend Olive to help him figure out what happened to his father. Even though this book is geared toward the younger crowd, I find that anyone can relate to this and the many emotions felt throughout the book. The story immediately pulls you in and you find it difficult to put it down.
Swallowed by a Secret is the first book I’ve read by Risa Nyman. I really enjoyed it, and while it’s listed as a childrens book, I would say preteen. The book has a bit of mystery, that is not revealed until the very end. You can speculate all you want, but most people won’t guess the answer. The characters in the book are well written and the friendships developed are strong. The feelings of the book are realistic and would be good for any child experiencing a loss. It helps them make sense of their feelings and understand everyone goes through some heavy things in life.
The book is about Rocky, a 12 year old boy whose dad recently passed away. He was told from heart issues, but he doesn’t believe that. His mom makes them suddenly packup and move, right after the funeral. He has overheard pieces of conversation indicating his mom is hiding the details surrounding his father’s death. To make matters worse, he started hearing his dad’s voice. At first he is terrified, but then finds comfort in it. He has his new friend Olive start scheming ways to find out the truth.
This is my first book by Risa Nyman, Swallowed by a Secret was such a surprising read. I found myself quickly drawn into the story line and didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page.This is the story of 12-year-old Rocky whose father has died. He finds himself changing homes and schools which both take time to adjust to. This book has everything, including the ability to make me cry. The characters, though young, (the main character is thirteen) were really fantastic.I can’t wait to read more from Risa and more about Rocky!
Swallowed by a Secret
Risa Nyman
5 stars
I have this really annoying habit of underestimating or even by passing books aimed toward a younger audience when in reality they have been some of the best books I’ve read. Swallowed by a Secret is certainly a 5 star book that falls into this category.
This book has everything, including the ability to make me cry, harder than I would like to admit. The characters, though young, (I mean the main character is thirteen) were really fantastic.
I struggle to find the words to describe this book, I want to say heavy, but that isn’t it. The author did a great job navigating through delicate subjects in a captivating, well written way. This was the first book read by this author and it will most certainly leave a lasting impression. Impressed is an understatement.