Review#2 LITTLE SECRETS by Jennifer HILLIER and reviewing for Netgalley. Wow! Thanks so much to Netgalley for letting me read and review this awesome book! From the author of JAR OF HEARTS comes another fantastic read. When little Sebastian is kidnapped, his mother will stop at nothing to find him...but she may just find that nothing in her life is all that it seems. This fantastic story kept me running from door to door as they opened up all new aspects and possibilities and kept me guessing (wrongly) right up until the explosive end! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Five stars

I must confess that I have not read any of this author's previous books and that is my loss. This author takes the reader through a range of e I'mmotions which will leave them wondering what else could possibly occur. With the kidnapping of her young son, just before Christmas, our heroine leads the reader down a path of emotions that include panic, loss, despair, bitterness, drugs, adultery, and the hiring of a contract killer to resolve her problems. I could go on but believe this story must be read to be fully appreciated. To go on would reveal too much. But keep your eyes peeled for subtle clues scattered throughout like daises
In a meadow.

I have rated this book 5 stars and would recommend it to any reader who appreciates a keen exploration of their inner self emotions.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

What a fun read! Little Secrets was a unique thriller that kept me guessing for quite a while! The author also did an absolutely tremendous job of portraying a mother's grief and willingness to do whatever it takes when her child is taken from her. As a mother myself, I could completely empathize with Marin. I highly recommend this book, and I thank NetGalley for the advance copy.

I was excited to jump into this one, as Jar of Hearts was one of my favorites. But this one went kind of slow for me. Nothing to really keep me on the edge of my seat, only the curiosity of wanting to know what happened to Sebastian.

This was an ok read, can't say I didn't like it, but can't say I didn't either. Completely on the fence with this one..

4.5 stars

I'd heard wonderful things about Jar of Hearts and Jennifer Hillier on Twitter, so I was thrilled to receive an eARC of Little Secrets from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for review consideration.

I was hooked from the first page.

Jennifer Hillier's story of a woman dealing with the kidnapping of her son hit me right in the heart. I was with Marin when she got distracted by her phone, when she counted down the minutes, hours, days of her son's absence, when she refused to move his belongings because she didn't want to tuck him in a corner and pretend that he hadn't existed.

I can't begin to explain how emotionally exhausting parts of this book read. As a mother of two, I know what it's like to have to take your kids to a busy, public place, to get swept up in the frustration and hunger and crankiness, and at that moment, to have the phone ring. It tore at all the deepest fears I have of that moment in the best possible way.

I couldn't put this book down.

The kidnapping is as layered as the characters, deeply-developed and complex in their motivations. I did find the plot to be a tad predictable, and wasn't altogether shocked by the ending, but it was a refreshing, beautiful take on kidnapping story with intricately-woven strands of intrigue.

What truly makes this story, though, is Hillier's wonderful writing style. Scenes leaped of the page, and I'd be surprised if someone doesn't make this into a Netflix series in the near future. Cinematic, clever, and dripping with emotion, Little Secrets is a 2020 Must Read.

Wow! And I do mean WOW! This book was incredible. It was well written, emotional, dramatic, suspenseful and a true page turner. I literally devoured it from start to finish. Very high recommendation from me to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller. I do warn that as a mother, the topic was heart wrenching at times, but that just made it that much more irresistible.


*This ebook was an ARC I received via #NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, so many surprises and twists!

If you like dark, twisty and edge of seat suspense.... this is it!

This novel was so riveting from the very first chapter! What I thought was going be a typical kidnapping, missing child tale, turned into a thriller not to be missed.

"Exhale. Deep Breath in. Exhale."

It is a roller coaster of suspense that has a .... this could really happen..... in a reality is stranger than fiction kind of way.

Emotion filled, spine-tingling chills, and high five that Karma baby!

Last thought- This will be a HIT in 2020.

On paper, Marin Machado has it all. She has a successful, thriving business; an adorable 4-year-old son, and she’s been happily married to the love of her life for two decades. One day, it’s all taken from her when her son suddenly disappears at Christmastime. Her business begins to take a slight dip and her marriage, well, her husband starts to cheat on her with a woman half her age. Instead of falling deeper into despair like the old Marin would have, she gets angry. The problem is, when she gets angry, does she place her trust in the right people?

I flew through this book on the train, and when I was done, I went back to re-read the ending. I thought this book was great. It was well-crafted storybuilding and I’m glad the author didn’t try to paint Marin in a positive, glowing light. She was a destructive force and was clearly responsible for some of the problems in her life. Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced reading copy. The book is scheduled for release on 04/21/2020.

Little Secrets starts with every parent’s nightmare―the disappearance of a child in a crowded store. That gut punch of an opener jumps to a twisty tale of trauma and grief and revenge, with empathy for everyone involved. Suspenseful and compelling, You will be obsessed with this unputdownable read. complex characters, heart-pounding suspense and a stunning conclusion. Little Secrets will leave you completely floored. You don't just read this book; you inhale it.

I appreciate the advanced copy. I finished this one on January 10, 2020. If I’d have gotten it a week and a half sooner it would have easily been my favorite book of 2019.

Hillier is in full command of her craft. There are so many things at play in this novel, a kidnapping, an affair, murder-for-hire, extortion, and hustles. And every thread is carried to a satisfying, shocking, and brilliant conclusion.

I am quite guilty of skimming over the climax of many books. When the story leaves the heads of the characters and turns up the action, I tune out. Not for this story.

Do yourself a favor and check this one out. It’s not Hillier’s first or even fifth novel, but it’s her best and it’s the one that could make her a household name.

A mother's four year old son, Sebastian, is kidnapped from right beside her, in a busy shopping area. Marin will never forgive herself and will never stop looking for her son. Sixteen months later, she's still living the nightmare of her missing son and knows that she is barely hanging on by a thread. She's already attempted suicide once and if she ever learns that her son is dead, she knows she'll kill herself. 

Marin's marriage to Derek is in shambles. She knows he blames her for losing sight of Sebastian and knows he's walking on eggshells, afraid to set her off, knowing that another suicide attempt is right around the corner. The couple hardly ever talk to each other, moving through a life filled with grief and guilt. 

I'm not going to say anymore because I read this book without knowing much more and it was a thrill to read. I only put it down to sleep last night, I did not want to stop reading it. Jennifer Hillier did such a fantastic job of stringing me along, I want more books like this one, real thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat. 

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

The beginning and ending were well written. Having been to the Seattle market I could picture the hassle and bustle especially at Christmas time. This was so vividly described in the first few pages with all the sights, sounds , smell etc. The middle part of the book got bogged down at times but the author was adept in focusing on the lives of Marin, Sal, Kenzie, Derek and other minor but relevant characters. The ending was eventful but looking back made perfect sense. The kidnapping of a child is utterly traumatic and the author was able to convey this . A modern day read with Facebook , instagram and instant messaging . Sometimes the people we think we know are total strangers.

Marin and Derek are at Pike Place Market with their son, Sebastian shopping. Marin stops to answer a text and Sebastian is gone. Later after going through tapes with the police and security, they see him walking out with someone dressed as Santa Claus.

Who can you really trust? Things are not what they seem or the people you thought you knew so well.

"A strange thing happens when you're going through something terrible. It's as if your body and mind separate, and you cease to become a whole person."

This is the first book I've read from author and it won't be the last!
Twist and turns just when you think you might have it all figured it out!!!
Thank you to St Martin's Press, author and NetGalley for the eARC

Never read a book by Jennifer Hillier but I will be checking out more of hers soon! This book was a journey. It hooks you right at the start, you HAVE to figure out what happened to little Sebastian. As the story unfolds, more mystery and questions are brought to light and now you need those answered too! I could not put the book down. I found the ending a little underwhelming but overall, fantastic read. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Little Secrets in exchange for a review!

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier is one gripping mystery thriller you will not want to miss.

Marin Machado is a successful owner of multiple hair salons, and together with her husband, Derek, they are an influential power couple. They have everything going for them, a beautiful house, money and a precious son. Their lives seem perfect, until their son Sebastian is taken in broad daylight, while Marin sends a text message to her husband.

Sixteen months later, their marriage is falling to pieces and Marin won't accept the fact that the search for their son has gone cold. She hires a private investigator to pick up where both the police and the FBI have left off. Through the P.I. she learns that her husband is having an affair with a 24-year old art student named Kenzie. Kenzie is aware that Derek is married and she seems to be only in it for her gain and his money.

Marin spirals out of control, and refuses to loose her husband. She starts to put a plan in motion, that might just solve this problem for her. But who is Kenzie really? Might she be connected to Sebastian's disappearance?

Jennifer Hillier is a brilliant author. She had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are phenomenal, and whether I liked them all or not, I loved reading the different POVs. All throughout the book I could feel Marin's emotions and was hoping she would get her son back. It was gut wrenching and heartbreaking to read her different stages of grief and anger. There was a few times when I thought I had it all figured out, but boy was I wrong.

This is definitely a 5 star read for me!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

Woah! This story started out slow for me, but once it got going, I couldn’t wait for it all to unravel. It’s a tragic story and some of the characters actions had me so frustrated. Even piecing it together halfway through, it kept me guessing. I couldn’t wait to find out the motives behind everything.

Four year old Sebastian is abducted while with his mother. She blames herself and never gives up on finding her son. What is uncovered is so much more! Deceit. Lies. Who can be trusted? Written with great emotion, this thriller is filled with suspense and will leave you exhilarated.

So this book is a quick read, and full of twist and turns.

That said, I do not want to spoil anything, but the book tells the story of Marin and Derek, college sweethearts still reeling from the abduction of their four year old son. In the midst of it all, Marin is informed that her husband has begun an affair.

From there the action really takes off, and while it certainly stretches the idea of realism, the book is so entertaining, you are willing to let that go. In addition, it is really difficult to like any of the characters, but because the book is so engaging, I was also willing to let that go.

This was my first book b Jennifer Hillier, but it will not be my last.

Holy moly! I finished this book in less than 24 hours— I couldn’t sleep until I found out the truth about what happened to power couple Marin and Derek’s son Sebastian after he was abducted just a few days before Christmas. Jennifer Hillier does a great job delving into tough subjects and not shying away from the big, real, raw emotions of the characters she created.

In the aftermath of the abduction, the trail goes cold and it seems we may never find out what happened to Sebastian. Marin and Derek each grieve in their own ways... Derek finds solace in the arms of a younger woman named Kenzie while Marin focuses on a problem she can solve... and that problem is Kenzie.

“Four minutes. That’s all it took to steal a child.
A lollipop, a Santa Suit, and two hundred forty seconds”.

Three days before Christmas... in the busy Seattle market, Marin Machado let go of her 4-year old son’s hand...

Sixteen months later....
“They say if a missing child Sebastian’s age isn’t found within 24 hours of his disappearance, chances are he never will be”.

It’s been 485 days since Marin and Derek lost their 4 year old son, Sebastian.

“Marin needed to stay home and fall apart, which she did, for months until Derek and her therapist suggested it was time for her to go back to work”.
Minor celebrities came into Marin’s salon - they paid $600 an hour to have their hair done personally by “Marin Machado of Marin Machado Salon & Spa”.
Marin owned three salons.

Police had no solid information.

The stranger who took Sebastian, ‘Bash’, was a kidnapper. There was no certainty about whether or not it was planned in advance, or not. There was also no evidence to suggest that the person who took Sebastian was a friend or acquaintance of the family.
The Santa costume, was denoted the persons intent to steal a child— possibly any child from a busy store.

Marin attended group therapy once a week. Those who attended all had missing kids. Group therapy was very different than ‘one-on-one’ therapy.
It was the one place where Marin could feel as miserable as she needed without feeling a need to apologize for it. The other people in the room were more miserable than she was.
Marin’s best friend, Sal
Palermo, described going to group as an act of self-flagellation. Marin didn’t think he was wrong. Some nights, it was exactly what she needed.

“One year, three months, and twenty-two
days ago was the worst day of her life”.

Police still had no leads...

Marin and her husband Derek were living parallel lives, side by side for the most part, but never converging.
Derek was a CEO of a health food chain. He traveled for work....more often since his son disappeared.

Dr. Chen was Marin’s private therapist.
He was soothing, understanding, easy to talk to—all the things a therapist should be -but Marin was not sure she wanted to go back. Therapy was hard work. However, she finally told Dr. Chen her secret:
.... there were more secrets....
... and twists
... and turns
... and surprises

... THE SURPRISES were really surprising.

Marin hired private investigator, Vanessa Castro...(she never told her husband, Derek).
The first important news that Vanessa had for Marin, was ‘important’, but it wasn’t about her son.

Questions started race through my head early on...
but I never had this book figured out.

“A strange thing happens when you’re going through something terrible. It’s as if your body and mind separate, and you cease to become a whole person”.

A little fun...
Try untangling these words to figure out all the “Little Secrets”.....
Cracker crumbs, milk stains, Lego pieces, celebrities, coffee, mochaccinos, hipster professionals, Oxy and Vicodin, amaretto sours, gummy bear edibles, friends es, Big Macs, ramen noodles, avocado toast, tacos, roasted brussels sprouts cooked with bacon and smothered in Parmesan cheese, Instagram photos, an obnoxiously expensive Maserati, etc. etc etc.....
Can’t do it... can you? 🧐

GREAT THRILLER!

Thank you Saint Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and the very talented Jennifer Hillier.

5 Hearts, Recommended Read
SJ, Romance Junkies

All it takes are a few seconds of inattention to completely change one's life. That's a hard fact Marin learns in LITTLE SECRETS, when her perfect life is shattered by the kidnapping of her little boy. This thriller had me glued to the pages from beginning to end.

Jennifer Hillier writes engrossing novels with building tension for complicated characters who embark on dark journeys. In LITTLE SECRETS, it's Marin's journey to take. And it's one heck of a twisted, engrossing tale.

A year after the kidnapping, while trying to save her marriage and deal with grief and self-blame, Marin still has an investigator on the (cold) trail of her missing son. She's in a support group that does as much harm to her state of mind as help, and her distance from her husband speaks volumes. No matter that she's a successful salon owner still making money. Nothing much matters to her but finding her son.

But when the investigator learns of her husband's infidelity, something in Marin...snaps. She lost her son, but she won't lose her husband so easily. And so begins a wild ride with twists I didn't see coming.

The characters are flawed and heroic and dark, and so much fun! I couldn't stop reading, especially when certain truths are revealed. The ending in particular was one I both wanted and didn't want to see happen, yet couldn't stop reading about all the same. A whopper that totally sealed the deal, earning this psychological thriller a Recommended Read.

Though this is not a romance, there are romantic elements in it. And the picture of an outwardly perfect marriage showing a couple dealing with loss and guilt was so well done.

A Recommended Read