By Lisa Tucker
Atria, $24.00, 274 pages

Secrets have been a popular theme in literature throughout the ages; human emotions and the mortality associated with them create exciting novels. This is true of Lisa Tucker’s latest novel, The Winters in Bloom. The novel begins by readers discovering the lifestyle of the Winter family. A mother and father who are so cautious with their young son, it is considered suspicious and smothering. When the child is kidnapped from their own yard, the parents must come to terms with a past they’ve been running from for years and admitting their deepest secrets to each other.

The Winters in Bloom is filled with suspense from beginning to end. Tucker’s artful writing makes readers push through page after page until each secret is finally revealed. Tucker forgoes traditional CIA and unrealistic secrets in lieu of down-to-earth circumstances any person could have been though. Her characters are so human and realistic; it is easy to become engrossed with the pages of the novel.

Told from the viewpoint of several different characters, Tucker illustrates the idea of true-to-life conflict; there are no heroes and villains, but two sides to every story and opportunities for forgiveness. The novel is skillfully written and appropriate for almost any audience who enjoys a thrilling read.

Reviewed by Sophie Sestero

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