Lynn Austin's All My Secrets weaves a beautiful tale of three generations of strong women. When their lives change at the death of A.B. Stanhope III (the son of Junietta, husband of Sylvia, and father of Adelaide), the women are faced with how to survive in a man-driven world. As the story develops, the past of Junietta and Sylvia is revealed, showing how decisions and mistakes shaped their present lives and the situations they are in. Mama Junie and Sylvia set out to protect Addy from the life they had. Will Addy learn from their mistakes and wisdom, or follow the same path?

Such a gut-wrenching, powerful story of faith, love, and strength in the face of adversity. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

"All My Secrets" is a Christian historical set in 1898 in New York. It's about the legacy we leave behind and how our actions affect future generations. As the oldest, Junietta's story unfolded first as she told Sylvia and Addy about her first love. He's an impoverished immigrant who headed off to make it rich in the gold fields of California so he could give Junietta the lifestyle to which she's accustomed. She's forced into marriage with Art, the son of an evil, scheming man who set his sons against each other. Her marriage wasn't a love match, and she wants that for Addy along with a sense of purpose that she's found in supporting charities for widows, orphans, and the poor.

Sylvia then told how she married Junietta's son to regain the wealth of her childhood only to fall in love with him. She's determined to find a wealthy husband for Addy so that they both can continue the lifestyle they're used to. Addy likes social events and can't imagine giving up her home (even if it costs too much to maintain), but the men willing to court her aren't ones she can see spending her life with. Decisions, decisions for everyone.

The characters were complex, realistic people, and I cared about them. Historical details about what life was like were woven into story, and some major historical events affected the women's lives. Junietta received God's forgiveness for her sins and, out of gratitude, reached out to help others. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written historical.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

What a gift this book is, it's one of those reads that gives a warm hug as you turn the pages. For me I wanted answers, and kept reading, but I didn't want All My Secrets to end.

This is a beautifully written Christian read, and shows the we are all human and sinners.

One man is responsible for basically what happens to many lives here, a rich powerful man, but this is the story of three woman, Mother-In-Law Junietta, Daughter-In-Law Sylvia, and Granddaughter Adelaide or Addy, all Stanhopes.

These woman are blindsided by the Will of the ruthless husband of Junietta, but we are there and learn a great deal about what is important to each of these strong women, actually strengths they did know they had. As these secrets unfold, I felt the blessings that each bring to the story.

This is one of the best books I've read this year!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.