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Where Secrets Stay

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Inspired by true events.

Do secrets die with us?

Kevan Renee, a renowned artist, has spent her life burying the traumas of her past, finding solace only in the love of her Gammie Frances, and the unwavering support of her best friend, Beth. But when Gammie passes away, Kevan inherits the estate they once visited together—a place she thought was left behind in her childhood.

Nathan Hill has spent over two decades haunted by his sister’s disappearance, his life consumed by a relentless search for answers. His quiet existence is tethered to his role as caretaker for his wealthy, cantankerous godmother, but his obsession with uncovering the truth never wavers.

When Kevan steps foot on the forgotten estate, the floodgates of memory open. What begins as a nostalgic tribute to her grandmother soon turns dark as restless nights and chilling nightmares consume her. Beneath the surface of those long-forgotten days lies something sinister—a haunting connection between Kevan, Gammie, and the estate’s shadowy past.

At the heart of it all is the vision of a lone little girl standing beside a pond. As Kevan and Nathan’s paths converge, the secrets of the estate unravel, threatening to expose truths neither is prepared to face.

Many scenes of this novel are recounts of true events which contains trauma and abuse.

If I could give this more than five stars I would -- Reader Review

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

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CherAnn Wright

2 books53 followers

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5 stars
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44 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer *Nottoomanybooks*.
419 reviews52 followers
November 18, 2024
This book kept me guessing all the way to the end! I loved how everything came together slowly and kept me interested. This is not usually the type of book I would say I love, but I really did!! I added her backlist to my tbr because this was so well thought out and put together. I don’t want to say a lot about the plot because it is best to go in blind but needless to say, this is a 5 star winner!
Profile Image for Glenn Armstrong.
193 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2024
Where Secrets Stay is an amazing story and very well written by a new author to me. There were plenty of twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming. The constant changing of POV and time periods was difficult to follow at times, and other times a bit annoying. For example when a chapter built to a big reveal, then the next chapter changed POV or time period. By the time we got back to the big reveal much of my anticipation had dissipated. I never quite understood why Edith was so stand-offish and mean to Kevan following Clyde’s death. Just didn’t make sense to me. The seeing and talking to spirits is kind of believable for the most part. But when the spirit cooks breakfast and cleans up the kitchen afterwards it loses a little credibility (just one example). But I am being picky. All in all this was an enjoyable read and a page turner. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Nicholas Grady.
Author 3 books20 followers
February 18, 2024
I discovered this book on Tiktok and was not disappointed! Cherann has a way of slowly unravelling a mystery without giving too much away. I spent over half the book just trying to figure about what exactly happened as the main characters did the same. There were even a few plot twists that took me by surprise. If you like a good mystery you will love this book.
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
230 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2024
This story kept me guessing all the way to the end. Once I thought I had figured it out, I was wrong. Several components of the story tugged at my heart and made me feel many different emotions. I love when I can get lost in a book and I got lost in this one! The story and twists were so clever. I started this book yesterday and finished today. If you want a book that you can’t put down, this is one of them!
Profile Image for Tini.
397 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
Not for me.

I really hate giving such a low rating to a debut novel because I can imagine how much blood, sweat, tears, and hope must have gone into getting a first book published. That being said, this book just wasn‘t for me.

First of all, it‘s heavy on paranormal activity (not one of my favorite topics to begin with) and abuse - animal cruelty, child abuse, domestic violence, rape, you name it, it happened, and sometimes in unnecessarily gruesome detail.

Second, I would not have even minded those topics so much if the payoff had been a good story, but sadly, I guessed all the twists very early on, so there was no suspense element to keep me interested (haven‘t we all seen „Sixth Sense“?).

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I found it hard to connect with the characters and thought there were some huge plot holes, or storylines that just didn‘t make sense to me. For example, I never understood the rift between Kevan and her brothers. Also, why a woman wouldn‘t hesitate to kill one abuser, but then didn‘t do anything to protect innocent children from another for the longest time was beyond me. Edith‘s story arc was also not believable at all - why would she behave so horribly towards her own daughter? And why could Kevan not remember that she had seen that key before, and had even been told what it opened? Was that also supposedly covered by her amnesia, despite happening at a completely different time? There were some meager tries to explain some of these points, but I didn‘t find them very satisfying or credible. Finally, I could not believe the whole coverup - it was ludicrous. WHY? The cause of *spoiler*‘s death would have allowed for a complete reframing of the narrative without hiding that death altogether and leaving distraught family members in the dark.

Overall, the story sadly failed to convince me or draw me in.

TW: domestic violence, child abuse, rape, animal cruelty.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sleuthing Sloth Press for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa Gilbert.
381 reviews27 followers
July 10, 2024
Oh my, what a tangled web we weave. This book is haunting, compelling and so very intriguing.

When Kevan inherits her grandmother’s home, her childhood traumas finally come to light through secrets that her grandmother left behind. She can finally come to terms with her traumatic childhood and learn how family secrets can shape your life.

The characters are superbly written. I love when even the setting feels like a character because it is described so perfectly. The pacing is spot on, the multiple POV’s are richly crafted, and you’ll be taken on an emotional journey with this one. I highly recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sleuthing Sloth Press for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Josie Bailey.
5 reviews
July 2, 2024
I was really surprised at how good this book was. I had picked it up at Barnes and Noble and laid it back down. Then I find out that I go to church with the author’s mom and she was telling me about her daughter writing this book and I went home and ordered it. Very well written and good storyline. I only gave it 4 stars because there were a few little things that disappointed me. I don’t want to give away anything about the book. But I would definitely recommend it.
11 reviews
July 15, 2024
"Where Secrets Stay" by CherAnn Wright is an enthralling novel that grips you from the very first page. From the outset, Wright’s masterful storytelling and rich, vivid descriptions pull you into a world brimming with mystery and emotion.

The story centers around Kevan, a woman who has survived a traumatic childhood thanks to the loving care of her grandmother, Gammie. After Gammie's death, Kevan is forced to revisit her painful past, confronting long-buried secrets and unresolved emotions. This journey is both harrowing and compelling, making it difficult to read at times, yet impossible to put down.

Nathan, another central character, has also endured a difficult past, never coming to terms with a childhood loss. His pain and Kevan’s intersect in unexpected ways, drawing them together through their shared experiences. With the help of Gammie’s best friend, Dotty, Kevan and Nathan manage to uncover long-searched-for answers about their pasts, offering a path toward healing and understanding.

Wright’s writing is nothing short of exquisite. Her prose flows effortlessly, with each sentence crafted to draw you deeper into the plot. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are portrayed with a realism that makes them feel incredibly authentic.

"Where Secrets Stay" is a testament to CherAnn Wright's skill as an author. It’s a beautifully written book that keeps you hooked until the very last page, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a powerful and gripping story of resilience and discovery.
August 12, 2024
"Where Secrets Stay" by CherAnn Wright is an absolute page-turner that captivated me from the very first chapter. This was the first book I've read by this author, and I am already eagerly looking forward to exploring more of her work. Wright masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and deep emotional undertones, creating a story that is as haunting as it is compelling.

Inspired by true events, the novel follows Kevan Renee, an artist haunted by her traumatic past, as she inherits a forgotten estate with a dark secret. Wright's writing brings the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned estate to life, with every detail painting a vivid picture of a place that holds far more than just memories. The way she portrays Kevan's gradual unraveling of the past is both chilling and deeply moving, keeping the reader on edge with each new revelation.

Nathan Hill's subplot, centered on the decades-long disappearance of his sister, adds another layer of mystery and emotional depth to the story. Wright skillfully weaves together these two narratives, leading to a climax that is as satisfying as it is surprising.

The themes of buried secrets, childhood trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity and insight, making "Where Secrets Stay" not just a thrilling read but also a profound exploration of the human psyche.

If you're a fan of suspenseful, emotionally charged mysteries, this book is a must-read. CherAnn Wright has proven herself to be a talented storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next. Highly recommended!

Thank you @netgalley and @cherannwright for the ARC!
***All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone***
Profile Image for Marcella.
24 reviews
July 9, 2024
This book was incredible! I LOVED it!!!! I thought the writing was excellently done, and got me into the book immediately to where I couldn’t put it down! I read every opportunity I had because it was so compelling.

Two tiny little critical comments. I found it hard to follow certain parts because many characters went by several names. It took me a while to keep it straight. And at the end where Kevan comes to the realization that Beth isn’t alive-I found that confusing. In a sense I understood it in the same time that Kevan understood it. Perhaps that’s what the author intended the reader to do?

All in all I found this book to be a wonderful and exciting story. It makes me want to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lila Lumbrazo.
15 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2024
Wow! This book really blew me away. I love thrillers and this one delivered on every aspect. From the first pages I was absolutely pulled in. The author rights in multiple POVS which I love in a book and I think was absolutely necessary for this one. The characters are so well written. I just wanted to know more and more about the characters and their stories I couldn’t put the book down! The book focuses a lot on past traumas so please make sure you check the trigger warnings. There’s a lot going on in this book and the author wraps up each story line very well. I couldn’t guess a single thing and there were plot twists all throughout the book. All in all this was a fabulously written thriller and if you are looking for a book you can’t put down, here it is.
Profile Image for Ty.
16 reviews
October 8, 2024
This book broke my heart many times, I was literally sobbing by the end. There was so much going on that I was trying so hard to figure out which direction this book was going to end. Granted I put a few things together, but the end had me absolutely speechless. I didn’t know what direction this book was going to head at any point and I was constantly left with the need to know. I couldn’t put this book down, and when I had to it’s all I could think about until I could get back to it. This was such a phenomenal story line, with even better writing.
1 review1 follower
November 20, 2023
Where Secrets Stay is a psychological thriller. A story told over many generations and different points of view. Kevan Renee spent years trying to cover up and forget all the trauma of her childhood. When her Gammie passed away everything changed. As she then inherits a property she is quick to remember her childhood and how her and Gammie had often went there, which leads to long day and sleepless nights.

If you want a book that keeps you on edge and can not stop reading, this is it. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer Williams.
243 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2024
I read a lot and this was such a phenomenal story. I literally couldn’t stop and finished it in one sitting. It’s tragic and heart wrenching and yet you must read on. It’s also loving and touching too. It’s a story of struggle and hurt but also seeing that good can still come from broken pieces if you put them back together. Brilliantly written! I will be looking into what else this author has written!
Profile Image for Tina Plintz.
156 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2024
What a wow book!! This one kept me guessing and took me by surprise! If you like a good thriller that will keep you on your toes this is most definitely worth reading! I thought maybe I had it figured out and then came another twist. You really get into the characters of this book. It did take me a few chapters to actually get hooked but once I did it did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Paula Miller.
16 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2024
This book kept me on my toes. The beginning seemed so normal and kinda sad. Then, the end comes along and blew all my ideas out of the water. Never saw that end coming.

The main characters are well developed, in my opinion. It seems like you either like them or hate them.

I liked this book so well that, even though I know it's a stand-alone, i want a sequel.
Profile Image for Christina.
35 reviews
August 23, 2024
I picked this book up at a book festival and I have to say I am so happy I did! I loved the characters and was thrilled by the unexpected revelations at the end of the book, I highly recommend giving this book a go.
Profile Image for sandy.
116 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
Wow

I'm setting here with tears rolling off my face .this book is just awesome I never cry reading books but this one tore my heart out then mended it .
Do your selves a great favor and read this book there is so much heart woven into it. This has to be one of my all time favorites.I can't even begin to unpack it all ,the stories the anger the heartbreak. Its well worth the read but have a box of tissues handy you will need it...
3,055 reviews50 followers
December 2, 2023
The passing of Grammie was a catalyst she can’t escape, for years trauma has been buried deep , never to be explored. All that changes with the inheritance of that house. Chilling nightmares for two people . Secrets and lies remain entangled into the very fabric of the property scanning generations. A suspensive psychological thriller to chill the bones and test the curious mind. Well put together , structure story with a compelling narrative
I read an advance of this book and leave a voluntary review
Profile Image for Adrianna | cozycraftyreads.
162 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2024
A thriller where I guarantee the ending will most likely be a surprise. Not only did I not expect the end, but I also didn’t guess most of the twists. It really surprised me!

Kevan lived through a difficult childhood, one that she worked to escape. After her grandma, “Grammie”, passed away, she returned home and slowly started remembering parts of her childhood she had forgotten. There she met Nathan. His sister disappeared decades earlier, and he continued wondering about what happened. What happened to his sister? What was Kevan running from?

This was a good thriller/mystery. Though it started slower for me, it picked up quickly. It was also difficult to follow towards the beginning, but this improved quickly and I had trouble putting it down.

There were various POVs, which really added to the story. I thought that they all flowed together seamlessly, and loved that they gave a full understanding of events.

I do want to give a heads up that there were some adult themes (trauma; abuse, etc.) in the book that I wasn’t expecting. They added to the story, but some did throw me for a loop.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
Profile Image for Oliver Stewart.
190 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2024
Very talented writer. I had figured some things out half way through the book so that made me dread the ending
Profile Image for Tabitha.
5 reviews
July 14, 2024
This book is amazing! Couldn’t put it down! Wonderfully written! Am definitely a fan now!
1,107 reviews15 followers
December 2, 2023
Where Secrets Stay - What an intense and hard to put down story. Interesting. Intriguing. Suspenseful. Emotional. Wonderful and evil characters with well written story lines made this a book to be savored. My only complaint, the vulgar language that was not every day usage back in the Fifties and Sixties, especially by teenaged and grown females. There was mild cussing, if any. Need to talk to the older generations. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*
Profile Image for ✨Shay✨.
147 reviews6 followers
Want to read
August 26, 2024
I don’t have the capacity to sit through a book that doesn’t keep me engaged!
392 reviews42 followers
December 10, 2023
Where Secrets Stay is a book that is told over multiple generations and different points of view. A woman inherits her grammie estate that she has buried secrets from her childhood. The author cleverly weaves a tangle web of lies that slowly reveals how the secrets connect the relationships of the different generations.The story was brilliantly executed, which kept me guessing the whole time. The ending was riveting and I was surprised.
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,032 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2024
Update:
I listened to the audiobook for this story after reading the book. The narrator did an amazing job of bringing this story to life and making me feel like I was experiencing the story instead of just reading it.

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I have read romance most of my life and just recently started reading all the thrillers and mysteries. This book has definitely helped me to realize how much I enjoy psychological thrillers!

In the first two chapters I was a bit iffy on how much I would like it. I’m not usually a fan of third person POV, and that’s how the story starts. The way that CherAnn Wright wove a web of both third person and first person POV, lies, secrets, trauma, revelations and healing sucked me in by the end of the second chapter! I loved the multiple POVs from several characters and how the story unfolded by spanning the generations and slowly revealing the secrets and connections between the characters.

I had guessed one part of the ending fairly early on, but the other revelations that came completely took me by surprise, and I wasn’t upset at all with the ending!

The only thing that I didn’t get answered was: what happened to her cat when she went back to her hometown? Her cat was a big part of her life in the beginning and then not mentioned again once she returned home. There was no “aha” moment when one big secret was revealed and the relation it had to her cat.

The only thing I wished would’ve happened: things were revealed to her that only she could see…but only while she needed them. That being said, her Gammie (love this nickname for a her grandmother!) was ALWAYS there when she needed her. I wished that she would’ve gotten to at least be there for her at the end and they could’ve had the goodbye they deserved.

I loved the pull that Kevan Renee and Nathan had, and how they couldn’t understand it in the beginning. I loved their connection in all the ways they connected. This story is more plot driven than character driven and normally I’m all about character, but this plot and the way it all came together…my heart broke for so many of the characters and all they had been through, but to see how multiple lives were lived and their emotions/reactions…ugh. You just have to read it for yourself to understand.

I loved the ending and definitely was not expecting it! As a debut book, this was amazing!! I truly hope that more books are written because I am definitely here for it!

I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Janel.
107 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2023
Fantastic read that kept me reading into the night! Character and world building is great…makes for a very submersive book. Feels like you’re IN the story. Very well done! Will definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Karen.
939 reviews119 followers
December 2, 2024
WHERE SECRETS STAY
BY: CHERANN WRIGHT

3.5 Stars Rounded Up!

This is best going in blind and enjoying the roller coaster ride of intrigue that will have you turning the pages. I know for me from the very beginning I was drawn into this suspense driven plot. The Main Female Character named, Kevan Renee was well developed. It is well written, but there are a lot of scenes that go back and forward in time with different characters. This won't be for everyone since there are a lot of trigger warnings to consider. There is a strong atmospheric element that adds to the story taking outside of Savannah, Georgia. I can remember driving through that State when I was only nine or ten years old and remember succinctly how the Spanish Moss dripped from the tunnels of overgrown trees.

Kevan is an art professor who teaches at the local college and this is mainly her story along with her memories of how her Gammie (paternal grandmother), often intervened against her son, Clyde who abused his children terribly, causing one of Kevan's brother's to die. Her father named, Clyde would often force the children to drink an over abundance of Cod Liver oil, a punishment he picked up while serving in the military. So there's one of the trigger warnings an increasing amount of child abuse dished out regularly from her father to Kevan and her three brothers. I don't understand how their mother never intervened on her children's behalf it was always her grandmother to put a stop to it.

When Kevan receives a phone call from her brother telling her that her grandmother has just died Kevan is forced to return to her unhappy childhood home to make sure her grandmother receives a proper burial.

Nathan Hill is haunted by his decades old disappearance of his younger sister named Gracie which was never solved. As he searches the area when she was about eight or nine years old and her backpack was found he finds himself tracing through the woods that were searched finding an old abandoned property. He discovers two Barbie dolls in one of the old kitchen cabinets with his sister's initials and those of an unknown playmate of Gracie's. He brings them to the Sheriff to look into if the initials belong to a girl Gracie's age at her school or one in the surrounding area.

This is certainly a mystery somewhat, but the story has it's roots in facts and it would have been nice to be able to separate the true origins in an Author's Note, which this does not do. It has a lot going on in the Spirit world which I didn't completely buy into. Kevan can see spirits but I won't say whose for the fact of spoilers.

The other trigger warnings are rape and murder of children. This was definitely a Southern Gothic tale that is compulsively readable. It got too convoluted even though I understood what I read. It has a lot going on with Kevan being an unreliable narrator. If I haven't already mentioned this is heavily rooted in spirits and ghosts. I think that the trigger warnings are handled in a sensitive manner making them not long and drawn out, but do take care of considering them if you decide to read this. It was very suspense driven making me really get involved from beginning to end holding me captive to the pages. I am the type of sensitive reader that these trigger warnings aren't triggers for me, but they could affect those whose lives have been touched in some way by them.

There is certainly a lot of cruelty that takes place within these pages by the same father & son, but it also celebrates the power of the unbreakable bonds of female friendships. This for me what I liked and enjoyed seeing included throughout the narrative in more ways than one. For me this was read as in part a ghost story that in that particular way was successful. Not sure if that was the author's intention. I cautiously recommend. A solid debut that was compelling if you can get past some deliberate cruelty passed down from father to son, no matter how much love the mother meted out to her son. I would like to read more from this author in the future. 3.5 Stars from me.

Publication Date: December 1, 2024! AVAILABLE TO BUY NOW!

Thank you to Net Galley, CherAnn Wright and to Sleuthing Sloth Press for generously proving me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WhereSecretsStay #CherAnnWright #SleuthingSlothPress #NetGalley
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