Roxanne Henke's The Secret of Us ~ Reviewed

The Secret of Us
By Roxanne Henke
Published by Harvest House, January 2007
ISBN 978-0-7369-1701-8

Housewife Laura Dunn and her workaholic husband, advertising executive Donnie Dunn, have been married for 23 years. As Donnie's business thrives and their daughter, Stasha, plans her wedding, Laura longs for new possibilities. Could the dreams God planted in her heart years ago—like to become an artist—still be part of her purpose? Is there a new life of faith on the other side of this struggle?

The Secret of Us is a story of longing—a story of life. Laura had learned not to voice her longings but hid them behind childrearing and her husband's efforts to build a business. Over the years, she and Donnie had stopped communicating their dreams. Written from each perspective, Henke presents the struggles of more than just Laura. Donnie can't understand why he's feeling guilty. He has no reason to. Yet … it's so much easier to leave things be—don't "open Pandora's Box."

Henke draws her reader into the Dunn's lives from page one. Henke breaks all the rules and does it with a distinctive flair. Deep characterization, rich descriptions and a storyline that resonates all add up to a sterling read—one you'll be sorry to see end.

I won't spoil The Secret of Us by revealing the ending, but it's a poignant reminder to keep our dreams and love alive. The Secret of Us receives Novel Reviews' highest recommendation.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
www.anemulligan.com