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The Secrets We Carry
1917 - Sofiya and her friend Alina are forced to flee Russia as Tsar Nicholas II abdicates, and the Bolsheviks take control of St. Petersburg. Their parents send them to America, where Alina's distant cousin lives, but soon the girls learn they have traded one danger for another. They are forced to earn a living in the most awful way, and once again, both girls flee for their lives in separate directions. Years later, trapped in a bitter marriage, Sofiya once again finds herself running away to protect her son and the secret she's been hiding since leaving Russia. She wonders if she will ever feel safe again.
2022 - Addison Cameron loves antiques and old homes and has made a career, alongside her boyfriend Zach, of flipping old houses and making them new again. Having lived a life of terror as a young teen, bringing new life to old homes has been her therapy. When Zach finds a cigar box of old letters in an antique shop and buys them for Addie, she is intrigued. Who was the young girl Sofiya, and what was her life like? Soon Addie becomes immersed in Sofiya's past and is drawn to the very house in Portland that Sofiya had fled all those years ago. As she brings the house back to life, Addie relives her own nightmare past and that of Sofiya's. Can she heal her old wounds by restoring the house where Sofiya had once lived?
2022 - Addison Cameron loves antiques and old homes and has made a career, alongside her boyfriend Zach, of flipping old houses and making them new again. Having lived a life of terror as a young teen, bringing new life to old homes has been her therapy. When Zach finds a cigar box of old letters in an antique shop and buys them for Addie, she is intrigued. Who was the young girl Sofiya, and what was her life like? Soon Addie becomes immersed in Sofiya's past and is drawn to the very house in Portland that Sofiya had fled all those years ago. As she brings the house back to life, Addie relives her own nightmare past and that of Sofiya's. Can she heal her old wounds by restoring the house where Sofiya had once lived?
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
30 books579 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 31, 2022
This author has me hooked. This is a story that spans 100 years, going back and forth between characters. Normally, I get very confused when this happens but the author did it perfectly. I was so sorry when the story was over but so happy that the author made up endings for all the characters, even minor ones.
July 18, 2022
Oh my gosh! What a beautiful and heart-warming but heart-wrenching story of a young girl, uprooted from her comfortable life in Russia, who finds herself thrown into an unimaginable life in America.
This story is told from two viewpoints, two different lifetimes. First there is Sofyia, struggling with her new life in America, doing what she needs to do to keep herself, and eventually, her child safe. What a strong, admirable woman she turns out to be, all while keeping a huge secret—a secret that could make her life easier, but at the same time could put her in extreme danger if revealed to the wrong people. But a promise she made to her mother is a promise she cannot break.
Then there is Addison, a flipper of houses who is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing old house after finding a box filled with personal letters. As Addison reads through the letters, the life of Sofyia is unraveled and the connection to the house takes on a deeper meaning for Addison.
The back and forth storylines make this story so enticing. As we learn more about the house and Sofyia's life back then, we also come to understand so much about Addison's life and how she struggled to get where she is now. So many similarities and so much strength shared between these amazing women. What they both did with their lives is extremely admirable.
I have absolutely loved all of Deanna's books and she writes such interesting historical fiction stories. They are full of heart and soul and take me on wonderful journeys to other times and places. The Secrets We Carry is another fascinating story that I escaped into as I traveled back in time. I highly recommend it! It's one I know you're going to love as well.
This story is told from two viewpoints, two different lifetimes. First there is Sofyia, struggling with her new life in America, doing what she needs to do to keep herself, and eventually, her child safe. What a strong, admirable woman she turns out to be, all while keeping a huge secret—a secret that could make her life easier, but at the same time could put her in extreme danger if revealed to the wrong people. But a promise she made to her mother is a promise she cannot break.
Then there is Addison, a flipper of houses who is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing old house after finding a box filled with personal letters. As Addison reads through the letters, the life of Sofyia is unraveled and the connection to the house takes on a deeper meaning for Addison.
The back and forth storylines make this story so enticing. As we learn more about the house and Sofyia's life back then, we also come to understand so much about Addison's life and how she struggled to get where she is now. So many similarities and so much strength shared between these amazing women. What they both did with their lives is extremely admirable.
I have absolutely loved all of Deanna's books and she writes such interesting historical fiction stories. They are full of heart and soul and take me on wonderful journeys to other times and places. The Secrets We Carry is another fascinating story that I escaped into as I traveled back in time. I highly recommend it! It's one I know you're going to love as well.
July 27, 2022
The Secrets We Carry is by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Sofiya was the only child of a Russian teacher. When the Russian Revolution against the Tsars started, her parents who were cousins of the current Romanovs, were concerned with what would happen to their daughter. With Sofiya’s best friend’s mother, they arranged for the girls to leave Russia and go live with Alina’s family in the United States.
The girls dressed as peasants and carrying only one suitcase each, headed to America to safety. Both had been reluctant to leave; but knew it was for the best. However, when they reached Portland, Oregon, they were in for a nasty surprise.
In the present, the story continues with Addison and ach, a young couple. For her birthday, he had given her an old box with letters in a hidden compartment. The letters are from Sofyia to her mother and had never been mailed. They told of what happened to the girls as far as they knew. The two flipped houses for a living. The project they were starting was on a house where Sofyia and Alina had lived when they first moved here. Was it haunted?
The book consumes you and keeps you reading. You want to see how they get out of the trouble they find themselves in.
The girls dressed as peasants and carrying only one suitcase each, headed to America to safety. Both had been reluctant to leave; but knew it was for the best. However, when they reached Portland, Oregon, they were in for a nasty surprise.
In the present, the story continues with Addison and ach, a young couple. For her birthday, he had given her an old box with letters in a hidden compartment. The letters are from Sofyia to her mother and had never been mailed. They told of what happened to the girls as far as they knew. The two flipped houses for a living. The project they were starting was on a house where Sofyia and Alina had lived when they first moved here. Was it haunted?
The book consumes you and keeps you reading. You want to see how they get out of the trouble they find themselves in.
November 20, 2022
So hard to put this book down as it gets your attention from the very first page. Highly recommended!
December 21, 2022
Interesting Story Line and Characters
Several grammar errors make the difference between a 4 and a 5 star rating. Whoever edited the book did a sloppy job.
But, if a reader can get past the errors in usage, the story and characters are interesting.
Several grammar errors make the difference between a 4 and a 5 star rating. Whoever edited the book did a sloppy job.
But, if a reader can get past the errors in usage, the story and characters are interesting.
April 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
Character development was amazing. I felt as though I was living the lives of several of them.
I've never read an historical book where two time periods were involved. It took me a minute to realize what was going on, but once I understood it, I couldn't put it down. I was anxious to read about Sylvia's next letter and ultimately what happened to her. She had it rough, that's for sure.
There was a great mix of drama, sadness, and happiness. Not that we necessarily want sadness in a novel, but it was part of the story and made it more realistic.
To learn that the book was based on true events made it much more amazing to read.
At the end, the author gave her statement of what ultimately happened to the main characters. What happened to Ms. Nora was absolutely amazing!
I would most definitely recommend this book.
Character development was amazing. I felt as though I was living the lives of several of them.
I've never read an historical book where two time periods were involved. It took me a minute to realize what was going on, but once I understood it, I couldn't put it down. I was anxious to read about Sylvia's next letter and ultimately what happened to her. She had it rough, that's for sure.
There was a great mix of drama, sadness, and happiness. Not that we necessarily want sadness in a novel, but it was part of the story and made it more realistic.
To learn that the book was based on true events made it much more amazing to read.
At the end, the author gave her statement of what ultimately happened to the main characters. What happened to Ms. Nora was absolutely amazing!
I would most definitely recommend this book.
January 26, 2023
What a great book! I loved the development of both Sofia and Addie. Their stories have similarities yet are so true to the eras. From Russia and WWI to WWII and the prohibition to Vietnam War, some things continue. From brothels to human trafficking, this story covers so much and is done in a great way as the story unfolds! The best part is even when the story ends, the reader gets a glimpse of how the characters in the story continue and live their lives. I never wanted the story to end! Great writing! Great story!
July 2, 2023
Absolutely Wonderful Let Freedom Ring
I really had no idea what this book was about...I just picked it up because I love Deanna Sletten as a Author. As I read it hit me when I realized I was reading a book about trafficking of huma s when I am going to see the movie The Sound of Freedom....hu,an trafficking needs to be realized and put a stop to! Thank you for writing this book and telling stories of this horrible tragedy in our world! And,for showing we can do something about it!
I really had no idea what this book was about...I just picked it up because I love Deanna Sletten as a Author. As I read it hit me when I realized I was reading a book about trafficking of huma s when I am going to see the movie The Sound of Freedom....hu,an trafficking needs to be realized and put a stop to! Thank you for writing this book and telling stories of this horrible tragedy in our world! And,for showing we can do something about it!
December 20, 2022
Loved the story line but once again from this author I find the narration sub par. The dialogue is very simplistic and not expanded on when they easily could have been given the topic, short sentences and basic thoughts. Overall appreciated the historical relevance and emotional investment to the characters.
Read
June 4, 2023A book worth every page to read
"The Secrets We Carry" is a story that you will love and be surprised up until the very end. The writer, Deanna Sletten, shows, love, fear, compassion, history, and gives us believable characters that become a part of your life. The book is the best I've read in a very long time.
"The Secrets We Carry" is a story that you will love and be surprised up until the very end. The writer, Deanna Sletten, shows, love, fear, compassion, history, and gives us believable characters that become a part of your life. The book is the best I've read in a very long time.
October 13, 2023
loved this book
Deanna Lynn Sletten writes wonderful books. She is truly a gifted writer. The story matter pulls you in until you feel like she is writing about your family or friends. She does much research on the subject of each novel I hope she keeps writing stories for many years so I can enjoy reading them. Thank you Deanna.
Deanna Lynn Sletten writes wonderful books. She is truly a gifted writer. The story matter pulls you in until you feel like she is writing about your family or friends. She does much research on the subject of each novel I hope she keeps writing stories for many years so I can enjoy reading them. Thank you Deanna.
Read
July 21, 2022Wow
What a wonderful book . I couldn't wait to pick it back up I hate to stop reading. But had to get back to work .I felt like I was there in that very moment in time.I love all your book .I have read them all can't get enough .
What a wonderful book . I couldn't wait to pick it back up I hate to stop reading. But had to get back to work .I felt like I was there in that very moment in time.I love all your book .I have read them all can't get enough .
July 26, 2022
Amazing well-written story
I have read all of this authors books and each time I think that us the best book she has written... This is definitely a great book tying the contemporary sex trafficking with a similar situation 100 years earlier.
Great book!
I have read all of this authors books and each time I think that us the best book she has written... This is definitely a great book tying the contemporary sex trafficking with a similar situation 100 years earlier.
Great book!
August 14, 2022
Secrets
What a wonderful story, yes everyone carries secrets! Why do men always put women down, without women men would not be! Wish many young women can and will read this story!
What a wonderful story, yes everyone carries secrets! Why do men always put women down, without women men would not be! Wish many young women can and will read this story!
August 14, 2022
Just when I think Deanna Lynn Sletten can’t write a better book, a new one comes out. I love a dual story line. This book is set in 1917 and 2022. The stories of both Sofiya and Addie were equally riveting. I loved this book!
October 5, 2022
Teen set trafficking
Teen for siex trafficking is not new, but has exploded in recent years. There is no boundaries on greed. All mothers should understand this and teach their daughters to be aware of their surroundings & how to protect themselves from this evil.
Teen for siex trafficking is not new, but has exploded in recent years. There is no boundaries on greed. All mothers should understand this and teach their daughters to be aware of their surroundings & how to protect themselves from this evil.
October 21, 2022
I liked the storyline, but did not necessarily like the narrator. It was hard to listen to because the male voices tended to sound like the narrator was just talking slower and more deliberate and everyone seemed too overly nice.
October 24, 2022
In this split timeline story…
You will find yourself pulled in, the tales of sex trafficking told without graphic detail, but enough so you know. The unloved marriage, escape and abuse was also not always just a thing of the past. I loved how the house played a key role as well.
You will find yourself pulled in, the tales of sex trafficking told without graphic detail, but enough so you know. The unloved marriage, escape and abuse was also not always just a thing of the past. I loved how the house played a key role as well.
February 20, 2023
Intriguing Secrets
This story started with secrets. As soon as one was resolved, another appeared. I enjoyed the characters and the dual timeline plot, with the layers and parallels which added to the suspense and anticipation as the story progressed. A great read.
This story started with secrets. As soon as one was resolved, another appeared. I enjoyed the characters and the dual timeline plot, with the layers and parallels which added to the suspense and anticipation as the story progressed. A great read.
July 1, 2023
A very good read!
It's a novel that captures your interest and intrigue from beginning to end. I liked the way the author would first write about one character and then the other...... Kept building up the mystery of the secrets!
It's a novel that captures your interest and intrigue from beginning to end. I liked the way the author would first write about one character and then the other...... Kept building up the mystery of the secrets!
September 18, 2023
Five stars
This book is like being on an emotional roller coaster. The characters dealing with human trafficking and the evil that encompasses; both in past generations and present day. The story was very well written and I highly recommend it.
This book is like being on an emotional roller coaster. The characters dealing with human trafficking and the evil that encompasses; both in past generations and present day. The story was very well written and I highly recommend it.
September 26, 2023
Wonderful book!
This book has lots of action and history. It has romance and it was heart breaking way to live, but it does end well. A book about the trafficking of your girls in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
This book has lots of action and history. It has romance and it was heart breaking way to live, but it does end well. A book about the trafficking of your girls in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
April 3, 2024
Closer to 3.5 stars. The story kept me engaged even if it felt more like a chronological journey (with some clunky writing) than a story with much drama. And some of the present chapters were a little too on the nose with the activity in past chapters. But I’m a sucker for anything Romanov related.
October 26, 2022
the concept was interesting. However, I didn't feel that the characters were well-defined and the plot was a bit too predictable.
October 31, 2022
The Secrets We Carry
This is an excellent story with great character development and is very well written. Can’t wait to read more books by Deanna Lynn Sletten.
This is an excellent story with great character development and is very well written. Can’t wait to read more books by Deanna Lynn Sletten.
November 12, 2022
A wonderful book, so happy I found it!
Amazing story about the lives of several women and the ups and downs they have gone through and were able to survive!
Amazing story about the lives of several women and the ups and downs they have gone through and were able to survive!
November 26, 2022
Gripping Story
i loved every minute a real page turned
love the mix of past and present
can’t wait to read the next one
i loved every minute a real page turned
love the mix of past and present
can’t wait to read the next one
December 28, 2022
Such a great story! This story went back and forth beautifully. Such an important message about trafficking weaves itself throughout. Highly recommend!!
January 8, 2023
Cliche
Lacked the depth and detail I was seeking, never felt that I was in the room with them. Won't be reading more by this author.
Lacked the depth and detail I was seeking, never felt that I was in the room with them. Won't be reading more by this author.
January 18, 2023
This author doesn't disappoint! It is another fine book that I couldn't put down! Would highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews