All My Secrets by Lynn Austin is a wonderful historical fiction that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have read several books by Ms. Austin and always have enjoyed her way of crafting characters that have depth, are searching for answers, and are trying to find their way in their own lives. Despite the circumstances and the time difference, she is able to connect us readers to them in ways that a lot of authors cannot.

This book has all of those elements as well as a bit of mystery and romance set at the end of the @9th century in New York. This novel centers around a multi-generational concept revolving around the women within a family and their own struggles, choices, lives, and outcomes. It makes for an enjoyable experience.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Tyndale House Publishers for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/6/24.

Historical romance of the Gilded Age ..New York.
3 generations of Stanhope women that married into wealth.
Draws one in to read about their lives of expectations, memories and sorrow.
Was well written. Given arc by NG..and Tyndale

All My Secrets by Lynn Austin is a reminder of the bad results of holding grudges and allowing God’s forgiveness to come into a family and change each individual lives. Three different women joined together by blood, but three different life’s paths make them realize how close and important they are actually to one another. The plot was organized into three different perspectives from each individual woman. Current time of 1898 and back to the past to hear the older women’s stories. A little bit of romance. A little bit of learning about the harsh realities of life outside their cushy wealthy lives. The heroines were defined, unique, yet Austin did a wonderful job at allowing them to change from the characters at the beginning of the book to the end except for the matriarch of the family. She already had the transformation, but she wanted to share it with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The story was written well, and the plot captured my attention, and I couldn’t wait to see how the story ended. Overall, All My Secrets by Lynn Austin is a story that will capture the reader’s attention and make them question any slight grudges they may be holding in their lives. I will own a copy of this novel to put in my library.

I received a complimentary copy of All My Secrets by Lynn Austin from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I absolutely loved this book. The 3 generations of women. Love, wealth, the way lives intertwined was like a constant secret being told. Beautifully written.

OMG this was so very good that I didn't want it to end. I cried through the whole thing!
I was immersed in it from page 1.
Told by three different women but you'd never know it! Just an awesome, excellent, and an amazing read!
“We don’t need to feel disloyal for being happy again.”
Meaning we don't have to stay sad angry or have bitterness long after our family members have gone on
From Timothy Barrow to Sylvia Stanhope.
My Addy was a heroine! I admired her greatly. Yes, she was spoiled by wealth and riches but I loved the way she came through.
Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way in order to appreciate the things and people that we do have.
Make sure you love those people because we aren't promised tomorrow. Love them hard and hold on to them fast.
This novel is a powerful one I'll say that! It will take your breath away because it was so well written
My heart went to the three Stanhope women. Most of all Junietta. She's actually my favorite character. Her story made me cry most.
A fantabulous story to be sure! One I highly recommend.
5 stars for a well written book! My heart was full and satisfied.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

ALL MY SECRETS by LYNN AUSTEN is a beautifully written historical romance novel that takes place in New York during the Gilded Age, at the end of the nineteenth century. There is a strong Christian message of redemption and forgiveness together with that of making one’s life count by looking after those less fortunate rather than wasting money on living a lavish lifestyle and trying to impress one’s wealthy acquaintances. There is also the horror of losing one’s reputation and providing gossip for the gossipmongers. Society “friends” tend to be rivals who live for the latest bit of gossip.
Adelaide Stanhope is the third daughter of A.B. and Sylvia Stanhope, and when her father dies unexpectedly,she, her mother and grandmother, are left in a bad financial situation due to the family inheritance being entailed to a male heir.
Sylvia is desperate to keep up appearances and spends what little money they have to try and find a rich husband for her daughter, determined to keep the grand Stanhope mansion and give Addie the opulent life she is used to. This is the second time Sylvia has lost everything.
Grandmother Junietta, however, after being blackmailed by her father in law into a loveless marriage, sees this as an opportuity to escape from prison for Addie where she will be able to marry for love and even pursue a career if she wants to do so. It is hard for Addie who dearly loves her mother and feels she is honour bound to save the family. She also dearly loves her grandmother and does not want to'disappoint her.

Set in the Gilded Age in 1898 New York, this timeless story will resonate with readers who face change, others' expectations for them, and the challenges of forgiveness. Lynn Austin provides another great Christian historical novel interweaving the lives of a young woman, her mother, and her grandmother.. Each faces changes in their personal life and finances following the unexpected death of one they love. Will they overcome past experiences, meet their society's expectations, or forge a new path?

Set in the gilded age of New York City, this novel follows the three Stanhope women as they cope with grief. The novel is exceptionally well written, with each character having a distinctive and different voice. With three different generations represented, women of different ages will find someone to connect with in the story. I found myself connecting with both Addy (the granddaughter) and Sylvia (the mother) - which is true to stage of life I am in (situated between those two characters stages of life).
4.5 stars.
A lovely read.
Thanks to NetGalley for eARC

All My Secrets
Lynn Austin
Pub Date Feb 6, 2024
Tyndale
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I recommend this book as one of the top books I’ve read this year.
Split timeline historical fiction that I fell in love with. Handles grief in an unexpected way.
Great book!
5 stars

One of the top books I've read all year ---- maybe one of the top books I've read in the last few years actually!

I loved this split timeline historical fiction masterpiece by Lynn Austin! I fell in love with all the main characters and loved seeing their relationships with each other come to life. Hearing the stories from the childhoods and pasts of each of the 2 older ladies helps understand why they say the things they say and act they way they act. In true Lynn Austin fashion, the character development was absolutely out of this world.

As someone who has walked through grief in the last few years, I so appreciated the way Lynn Austin walked us through all the different tragedies of these ladies lives in a way that felt like she understood. I loved this quote about grief from the book-- "We honor the person we loved when we're sad, but we honor them just as much when we are happy." I am so thankful for these words. They really touched my heart and made me remember to honor and remember my missed loved ones in ways of joy and gratitude as much as sadness and grief.

I loved the setting of this book as well, Gilded Ages, NYC and Newport RI. I live in New England and have seen many of the NYC and Newport spots that she mentioned in the book so it was really fun to picture exactly what it could've been like during the time period of the book. Highly recommend if you can to visit the Newport Mansions after reading this book to truly understand the magnitude of the homes she is describing.

I could continue on about all the things I loved about this book for a very long time but I will sum it up by saying that I think this will be a book that will stick with me for a long time. Thank you to Tyndale House, Netgalley and the author for allowing me to receive an advanced reader copy of this book. All these opinions are 100% my own.

Interesting family dynamics!! The main characters must decide what is important in life. The story is split between 3 characters, yet is very clear about who is speaking. I like how everything comes together in the end!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Three generations of women risk losing their wealthy lifestyle after the head of their family dies. As the mother pressures the daughter to secure a rich husband, the grandmother gradually reveals secrets that help them to realize they can forge their own paths to a fulfilling life.

Such an amazing heart-rending inspirational book. From the beginning I just wanted to see how it would develop. A real reminder of what life was like in ages past, but also a reminder to seek God in all our endeavours. I'm reminded of my unique creation and that God has a plan and purpose for my life.