Mack, despite being a cranky and rebellious teenager, quickly stole my heart. Her penchant for opening her mouth and saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time is almost endearing, particularly since I could see her own pain at the core of each one of her embarrassing moments. Lauren handles her with grace even though she's a wreck inside and I love watching their mother/daughter relationship rekindle as the secrets separating them begin to surface.

In fact, mother/daughter relationships are a key part of HOW TO KEEP A SECRET. Nancy has been distant from her daughters ever since they were children, never opening the door for confidences because of her own secrets. Little did she know that Jenna and Lauren harbored their own secrets from her. Jenna and Lauren already have a strong sisterly bond but I love watching them develop a relationship with their once aloof mother. There is a heart-breaking scene where Jenna asks for her mother that still makes me cry when I think about it.

HOW TO KEEP A SECRET alternates viewpoints, as we see the story unfold through the eyes of each woman. Nancy, Lauren, Jenna, and Mack all have a story to tell and Sarah Morgan does a beautiful job at letting their individual voices shine through. Sarah Morgan is a master at capturing the emotional heart of a moment and encapsulating it for the reader to not only read but experience that moment and this talent shines in HOW TO KEEP A SECRET. If you love stories that make you laugh, cry, and yes even a little angry, then HOW TO KEEP A SECRET is perfect for you.

Book Summary