You Don't Know Me Book Review

A Deep Haven Novel

SUMMARY:  The secret she's kept to protect her family could be the very thing that tears them apart.

     To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother.  She's a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband's mayoral race.

    No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O'Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars.  Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

     Twenty years later, Annalise couldn't be more unprepared for her past to find her.  When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and bend on revenge, Annalise must face the consequences of her secrets.  Will she run again, or will she find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

REVIEW:  Secrets.  Everyone around Annalise has them.  Her husband Nathan is hiding the amount of money he borrows for his campaign.  Daughter Colleen hides her impulses to stop being a "good girl" by dating a former troublemaker and trying to push the limits with him.  Frank, Annalise's handler, hides his true identity from Annalise's family, and has regrets when he starts to fall for her mother-in-law Helen.  Son Jason hides his getting the leading role in the school play from his father but is also hiding some disreputable actions behind an honorable reputation.  Helen is hiding problems with her health from her son because she doesn't want him or Annalise to worry.

     I really liked this book.  I was pulled into the story because Annalise could be anyone I know.  She struggles about whether or not to tell her husband and family about her past but doesn't want to cause them any undue stress.  As Annalise's story comes out, her family is forced to confront the other secrets that abound around them.  It is just another reminder to keep being honest with the people we love and to stop keeping secrets.  All it does is cause more problems instead of prevent them.  I really like the Deep Haven novels and how they are independent but overlap in small ways to keep the "town" real.  This book, as well as the series, are a great read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Susan May Warren is the RITA Award-winning author of more than thirty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike.  She spent eight years as a missionary in Russia with her husband and four children before returning to Minnesota's north shore to write full-time.  Visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.