Member Reviews
Full disclosure - I am not a Christian but respect all faiths equally. With this in mind, although this book is listed as Christan fiction, it holds gentle reflection and is not dogmatic in the slightest. The key message is that all people commit sins and with reflection, we can forgive ourselves
I always enjoy an intergenerational book that weaves back and forth across era's, especially when it is a family saga. Essentially, three women married well, into the Stanhope family. However, when the patriarch passes, the women are left destitute.
The grandmother encourages the granddaughter to seek independance, the mother wants to maintain the status quo, her lavish lifestyle, the granddaughter is caught in the middle and does not know which way to go.
I have a feeling this is reflective of a bible story but I cannot for the life of me think which one. (Of course I had to do some research and I think the book is referring to the following which I quote with all respect to the Christian faith)
In respect of wealth and riches - Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment
In respect of independance - Hebrews 13:5
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
This is not preaching in any way, just seeking further understanding of this beautifully written book. The story is heartwarming and inspiring, a lovely read
Thank you very much to Netgalley, RB Media and Lynn Austin for this heartwarming ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Absolutely loved this book!
Gilded Age in NYC.
3 generations of wealthy women.
Death and it’s effects on women.
Mom and Grandma trying to not only PROTECT, but also to guide their daughter/granddaughter to make the right decisions…while all along not knowing if their decisions were ever really right.
This is a beautiful, heartwarming story of an uber wealthy family, in a time long ago, where there are servants, and debutante balls, and introductions, and shady deals… and a time where women had absolutely NO voice.
So, when the head of the family dies, the women can be left, not only alone, but with absolutely nothing!
And the story progresses to show how the Mom and Grandma each try their hardest to persuade Adelaide that 1. A wealthy man is what you want and need. Or…2. Follow your heart, money does not matter…
And then they each begin to reveal secrets from their pasts…and this is how this becomes a story that will last through the test of time. One that you will be telling your friends and family about. One that you just might go back and re-read in time… because it’s that good!!
Add in some sayings from the Gospel, and actions that prove these sayings and their power are for real…and again, you have gold!
The author actually gets you to fall in love with each of the three main characters…and you will find yourself fighting to support each and every one of them…and feel your heart breaking for them along the way too…
Absolutely LOVED this one!
Loved the characters. Loved the historical fiction part of it. Loved the turmoil you experience for each of them and their stories. And loved how it was all tied together in the long run! Some things are somewhat predictable…others I wouldn’t have seen coming with a magnifying glass!
So much more to say, but will end it here…
Please consider putting this one on your TBR list…and let me know if you loved it too!
5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which was just released (2/6/24).
#AllMySecrets by #LynnAustin and beautifully narrated by #SarahZimmerman.
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Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️📖
All My Secrets by Lynn Austin PUB DAY TODAY!
SYNOPSIS: Three generations of women share stories of their lives when the man of the house– Junietta’s son, Sylvia’s husband, Adelaide’s father–dies suddenly. He left all his fortune to male relatives and now the three women must figure out how to keep their estate or be forced to survive a life none of them have prepared for. They all believe that their only hope is for young Addy to marry someone with money. The only issue is that her grandmother believes she should marry for love, and her mother is now pressuring her to save the family in a hurry.
MY THOUGHTS: What a wonderful story of women who have a variety of experiences that shape their ideals and values. Life can be so cruel, and yet God still shows mercy. This beautiful story is told from multiple points of view. As the story unfolds and secrets are told to the other women, the reader becomes aware of why they each feel the way they do. Our past helps define our future. This book was a wonderful reminder that no matter what we have done in our lives, the Savior freely gives His mercy and we are (and never will be) worthy. I have never read Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction, but that hint of hope and love through God’s word and the beliefs of these characters was refreshing. This was a heartwarming and charming read and was beautifully narrated by Sarah Zimmerman.
All My Secrets - Lynn Austin - 5 Stars
All My Secrets by Lynn Austin is a multigenerational story of 3 women that explores first loves, grief, high society lifestyle, history, the Christian faith and the essence of what matters most in life. I highly recommend this book as I was fully immersed in the story and characters.
Set during the Gilded Age in New York, we see the strength of the Stanhope women following the passing of Arthur Stanhope. Left uncertain of their future paths, Junietta, Sylvia, and Adelaide grapple with the ramifications of Arthur's will and the looming uncertainty surrounding their family's estate. As they navigate through the aftermath, family secrets begin to unravel, shedding light on their intertwined history.
I absolutely loved this story. I was very invested in the audiobook narration and learning about Sylvia and Junietta's past. We see the beauty of the Gospel in this story several times as our characters grapple with their past decisions, mistakes made and contemplate future choices. Additionally, there is a central theme of helping the poor and giving to charity, as well as discussions surrounding wealth, the dynamics of marriage, and the choice between marrying for financial security or for love.
Lynn Austin's storytelling is undeniable and I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review. I will be purchasing this one for my collection as it's one of my favorite books of 2024!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of All My Secrets by Lynn Austin. It was narrated by Sarah Zimmerman and she did a very good narration. This book is Christian historical fiction set in the Gilded Age of New York. Three generations must come to task with choices from their past and decisions on their futures. The author displayed the Gilded Age with richness and splendor, I was brought into the different time frames nicely with the book. Thanks to RB Media for the chance to listen to this book.
#NetGalley #AllMySecrets
I love Mimi Juni! This is a win! The story is fast-paced and it is easy to connect with the characters.
Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!
I’m gobsmacked and teary-eyed and quite reluctant to leave Gilded Age New York and the characters I’ve grown to love . ‘All My Secrets’ is the kind of rich, absorbing story that leaves a reader feeling bereft once she reaches the end. I’m still experiencing the aftershocks of joy and heartache and hope and I just want to sit with it all in quiet contemplation for awhile.
There’s no doubt that Lynn Austin is a masterful storyteller. The combination of descriptive writing, deeply layered plot and characters who take on a life of their own is so alluring! The historical details are illuminating as we follow three generations of Stanhope women at a pivotal time in American history.
The story is told from three points of view as Junietta, Sylvia and Adelaide are forced to come to terms with the sudden change in their circumstances. While most of the story takes place in ‘present day’ (1898) we are given flashbacks into the early lives of Junietta and Sylvia, so this is kind of a dual timeline as well. And oh my, those back stories!!!! The lessons learned (and not!) Powerful and moving and Christ centred. Loved the faith elements shared in this book.
Then there’s Addy, a young woman who has spent her entire life doing what is expected of her. Now she’s torn between duty to her mother and the disruptive ideas of her grandmother. Riveting stuff. The kind of all-consuming read that leaves you with a book hangover by the end!
I enjoyed listening to Sarah Zimmerman’s excellent narration. She’s a familiar voice in my audiobook library and I love the feeling of being invited back into a favourite storyteller’s circle once again.
My thanks to the publisher, RB Media, and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of All My Secrets.
This was such a good story. I love that the author was able to show three generations worth of love stories. Not only did she show them, but she made it where you could see how they all worked into each other. I truly enjoyed this story and experiences that the three women had with love and relationships.
In "All My Secrets," Lynn Austin once again proves herself as one of the premier authors in the Christian publishing sphere, delivering a luminous narrative that transcends mere storytelling to become an immersive experience. Austin's unparalleled ability to craft unique, emotive narratives not only captivates readers but also gently guides them toward deeper reflections on faith. Set against the opulent backdrop of Gilded Age New York, this tale of three generations of women confronting their pasts is a masterful exploration of sin, repentance, redemption, and love.
The narrative unfolds through the distinct perspectives of Sylvia, her mother-in-law Junietta, and daughter Adelaide, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. The revelations of past sins, including extramarital affairs and vengeful desires, are handled with grace and depth, pointing readers toward the redemptive power of God. Junietta's journey, in particular, stands as a profound testament to the transformative work of Christ in one's life.
Austin's story extols the significant impact that women of faith can wield on their families and society at large. Through the trials and tribulations of Sylvia and Junietta, readers witness the powerful influence of steadfast faith and the potential for personal legacies to be reshaped into something more fulfilling and God-honoring.
Adding to the novel's allure is Sarah Zimmerman's narration, which elevates the experience to new heights. Zimmerman's velvety smooth voice, coupled with her crystal-clear diction, brings the characters and their emotions to life, making for an exceptionally engaging listen.
Highly recommended for enthusiasts of historical Christian fiction. It’s a celebration of the courage to face the past, the strength found in faith, and the beauty of a future rewritten by God's love. This audiobook is a must-listen, promising to leave a lasting impression on both longtime admirers of Austin's work and those new to her captivating storytelling.
I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
All My Secrets was my third book I have read by Lynn Austin, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. It was really well written, and the story line captured me. It was an easy read.
The character development is so rich. Junietta, the grandmother, had so many layers to her. Her secrets that she reveals are so intriguing. I loved hearing Junietta’s heart and seeing how her life played out and how that affected her charity work, and her faith. Sylvia’s secrets had quiet the interesting twist. It showed how God took the bad and turned it into good. Sylvia had married AB out of revenge and found herself in a marriage of love. Adelaide is on a journey to figure out what she should do with life and hearing these secrets that she has never heard before has really been eye opening. I loved watching her grow and learn.
I think my favorite character has to be Junietta. Her heart and openness is so precious. I want to be like her. Allowing God to work everything for His glory.
The relationships in the book were all interesting. There are a lot of different aspects of marriage. You have Junietta and Arthur Stanhope II. Where they were arranged. Junietta tries to make it into a friendship. And they do become friends, but when Junietta tries to help her husband blackmail his father, her secrets come to light and their relationship falls on rocky times. Then there is Sylvia and AB whose marriage started off on the wrong foot, but they grew to love each other and became really good friends. Adelaide is torn between trying to help her mother and marry for duty or trying to marry for love. I appreciate that the romance was all clean, and there was nothing ‘spicy’ in it. There is premarital sex mentioned, as Junietta has a baby out of wedlock, but it is portrayed in a redeeming factor, and I love the message that the reverend gives in respect to the sin and God’s forgiveness of it.
The story line was great. I loved that it went back and forth. As Junietta and Sylvia tell their story. It was not too hard to follow the past and the present. There was a lot of moving characters, but it was done in such a way that it was not overwhelming.
The historical aspect was there, but fairly light. Didn’t go into too much. Just the standard of life and social class. Which was portrayed fairly well. The pressures of the time.
Lynn Austin did an amazing job of intertwining scripture, God and prayer throughout. I appreciated how she used Junietta’s story to point us to God. To remind us that some sins are more evident, but we all need forgiveness and sometimes Satan will use our past to try to pull us down. It was really great and loved it. I am always searching for a Christian fiction that is not just going to mention God, but also give us a message that can help me check my own heart and life. And All My Secrets was just that. I perfect book that made me check my own heart.
*I was given a copy of the audiobook for personal review from the author. This is my person thoughts and reflections.
This book was refreshing & enjoyable. Lynn Austin writes beautifully and’s tells a pure, clean multi-generational family saga. I loved hearing about the Gilded Age in New York City. Each chapter is narrated by a 19-year-old granddaughter, a newly widowed mother & her mother-in-law, who are all mourning a recent loss. I loved seeing God’s faithfulness throughout the story & was inspired by the faith of Junie, the matriarch. The development o of relationships was very well-developed and’s I felt quite attached to the main characters by the end. It moved a bit slowly at times, but that was my only complaint. Overall a great story!
I loved this book!😊 It was an exceptionally intriguing story told from the perspective of 3 women. This web of secrets seemed to just keep spinning and spinning! Needless to say, if you enjoy a setting of high society and breaking societal expectations then this book is for you!
Three women in the Gilded Age deal with loss, life, and love in the context of faith. The story begins with the loss of A.B. Stanhope. He was Sylvia's husband, Junietta's son, and Adelaide's father. These three women are all thrown into a dilemma due to the conditions of the will. Since they cannot go on living at the heights they have been accustomed to, Junietta insists that they take the opportunity to examine their lives. As they work through their period of mourning, both Junietta and Sylvia share their stories giving Adelaide much food for thought. I absolutely loved the way Lynn Austin structured this book. The past was seamlessly woven into the fabric of the present. And the need for faith and a purpose were beautifully portrayed in such convincing ways.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:3-10 (ESV)
Thank you to Tyndale House, RB Media, and NetGalley for both audio and digital ARCs in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What a fantastic Guilded Age book about family and how the secrets we keep can shape our lives for generations. This book centers on the death of A.B. Stanhope and what happens to his mother, wife and daughter as they are left without the bulk of the family inheritance.
Addie, the daughter of the deceased is strongly influenced by her mother and paternal grandfather who have drastically different views of money and how they think she should live her life. Addie has choices to make that not only affect her future, but the futures of her mother and grandmother. There are wonderful examples of faith, love and sacrifice in this book. They also look at what kind of legacy a person may want to leave behind.
This book was wonderfully written by Lynn Austin. I listened to the audiobook and the choice of narrator was excellent as well. I can't recommend this book enough as one of the Christian fiction must reads (or listens) of 2024.
Thank you to Netgalley and Recorded Books Media for the opportunity to review this audiobook before release. The ARC did not influence my review in any way.
All My Secrets is about 3 generations of women and the hidden secrets each one carries. The family has a crisis, and the grandmother and mother begin to share their long buried secrets. There are plenty of heartbreaks and difficulties, but the granddaughter (and the reader) are given a gift of time and experience. You see the decisions the grandmother made (and the choices made for her) and what those decisions cost her (and others) not only during her lifetime, but also the following generations.
Huge Thank You to NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!