Twisted Secrets (Secrets and Second Chances)

by Donna M. Zadunajsky

Craven Falls, Ohio, is a small town with twenty-eight hundred residents—a town where everyone knows almost everyone else and where nothing ever happens, until one day two children disappear. Ashley Teodora spends her days juggling work, school, and her five-year-old daughter, Lily. She receives a phone call from her best friend, Carla Michaels, requiring her to go to Illinois to help Carla who is going through a tough time in her life. When Ashley returns home, she receives horrifying news that turns her world upside down; her precious Lily has been abducted!Reece Garran is released from prison after a five-year sentence. His primary goal is to find the woman whose memory kept him alive all those years while behind bars. This woman had captured his heart and wouldn’t let go. When the transport bus pulls into the town of Craven Falls, Reece thinks it’s just another small ordinary town until he finds a reason to stay.Catherine Teodora, Ashley’s mother, loves crocheting, baking, gardening, and spending time with her granddaughter, Lily. On a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, Catherine’s world is torn to pieces. All she did was look away for a split-second, and Lily was gone!A family pulls together in a time of need, but what happens when those that are close to you are hiding behind twisted secrets? Will they stand by one another and find Lily? Or will the secrets tear this family apart?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller Suspense, Mystery

356 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

Donna M. Zadunajsky started out writing children’s books before she accomplished and published her first novel, Broken Promises, in June 2012. She since has written several more novels and her first novella, HELP ME! Book 1 in the series, which is about teen suicide and bullying.
HELP ME!, won Awards in:
The Great Northwest Book Festival-Winner
Global EBook Awards- Gold Medal Winner
The Great Southeast Book Festival-Winner
IPA Award- Winner in Grief Category
Reader Views Awards- In 3 different categories:
*Children-Teen 12-16 year olds
*Children-Young Adult 16-18 years old
*Best Teen/YA Book of the Year
eLit Awards- Silver Winner

Talk To Me, Book 2 was a Finalist in the Author U unpublished contest, 2016.
IPA Award- Winner in Death and Dying

The author is available for speaking on the matters of teen suicide, bullying and for author events.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A parent's worst nightmare ... someone snatched Ashley's 5 year old daughter, Lily, when she was with her grandmother at the zoo.

She is beside herself with worry ... and when her daughter's biological father shows up, she doesn't know whether to be happy ...or suspect him of being responsible. Throw in her ding-a-ling brother who hears voices and her most recent boyfriend who is angry because she broke her engagement to him and there are plenty of suspects. But why?

A family pulls together in a time of need, but what happens when those that are close to you are hiding behind twisted secrets?

This is an action-packed page turner. At the heart of the story is the family dynamics of Ashley, Reece and Lily. Alhough 3rd in the series, this is well read as a stand alone. And there's just a hint at the ending that there will be another addition to the series.

Many thanks to the author / Netgalley for the digital copy of TWISTED SECRETS. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Kavita Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The plot had all the ingredients to make this story truly spooky scary. But somehow the execution was not up to the mark. When the book began, it demanded all my attention. I wanted to know who was stalking Ashley and how did he become obsessed with her. And then Dan was introduced, which gave the plot another push in the pyscho dimension. Now, I really wanted to know how these characters were involved.

I am trying my best to give a spoiler free review, so please bear with me if it gets confusing. So far, we have 2 psycho's I did not like how Reece (the one that got away) was at the right time at the right place immediately after being discharged from prison. Okay, let's accept this as coincidence. But then he is near the same forest near Catherine's house. And he meets Rob in a bar where he gets a bad feeling from the guy. And suprise surprise.. They are all talking about Lily.. I just can't get over the amount of coincidences here.

The psychos seem to be stupid most times with very little planning. When you want to achieve a psychotic success, you need to be well-planned. They goof up so many times, they get caught because of their own stupidity. There was no time for any blackmail or fear, because everyone is hiding something and they goof up a lot..and Reece is a know-it-all.. Somehow he is always at the right place at the right time. Tate manages to overcome the cops and escape ?? He doesn't go down, this mad dog !! Rob is conflicted.. about what I don't know. Does he even like Ashley ?? I thought Siena Miller's death would give it a serial killer kinda feel..

With the last page, I guess the author wanted to throw a blind curve to us readers. She missed it though. All it did was confuse the base of the plot more.. Even psycho maniacs need to have some history or some trigger to reach this point.. Had they done this before ? Why now? And why Ashley ?? What was the trigger ??

Throughout the book, I felt the plot had potential, only if it was not rushed so much. Psychological thrillers need to maintain the edge at the same time need to send out those scary feelers. There was a point where I did get scared and that was when Dan wanted to 'play' with Lily.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (8/17)

“Twisted Secrets,” Volume 3 of the Secrets and Second Chances series by Donna M. Zadunajsky is an eerie, psychological mystery/thriller that captures readers on the first page and takes them on a turbulent, twisty ride straight through to the very last sentence.

When Ashley Teodora is called to help her best friend in her time of need, she leaves her five-year-old daughter Lily with her grandmother for a few days. Catherine Teodora enjoys spending time with her granddaughter and takes advantage of this opportunity to take Lily to the zoo. One split-second is all it takes for their lives to change forever, and things aren’t as quiet in the small town of Craven Falls, Ohio as it might first appear. Long lost loves, distant family members, strangers and stalkers, will twisted secrets destroy the Teodora family?

“Twisted Secrets” is a highly engaging story I could not put down. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing style–she writes with a zeal that jumps off the pages. I could actually feel everything that was happening in the story; descriptions of the settings felt authentic, and I was easily immersed into the scenes in the small town. Solid, compelling drama draws the reader directly into the plot and the intense action. The story moves at just the right pace, and true to its’ title, is full of plot twists and secrets I never saw coming. Seriously, just when you think you have it figured out the author drops a bombshell with a new twist!

The characters are genuine and convincing. As a mother I can’t conceive of anything worse than child abduction. The fear, guilt, anguish, self-doubt; everything experienced by Lily’s mother and grandmother is portrayed with authentic, tormenting reality. Can you imagine that tightening in your chest, the unrest deep down in your belly? Totally haunting!

Overall I highly recommend “Twisted Secrets” by Donna M. Zadunajsky. The third volume in a series, it stands solid as an independent story, and is such a remarkable read. Full of drama, head games, romance, betrayal and secrets, this book has a bit of something for everyone.

[Deborah Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets and Second Chances Series by Donna Zadunajsky is a great collection of mystery, murder, romance, and secrets. What more could you want? They don't have to be necessarily read in order because each is a complete plot onto itself. The series is about friends and lives that touch each other over time and distance, showing the bonds we develop that last a lifetime.

"Twisted Secrets", Zadunajsky's latest in the series, is my absolute favorite! This novel is also a psychological thriller! I don't want to give away any spoilers, especially not with this book where there are so many twists and turns you never see coming and keep you guessing long past the last page is turned.

This book will haunt you for many days, months, and years. You'll be inclined to read it again and again to follow the Twisted Secrets that plague a seemingly "normal" family in a quiet small town. And that is the true measure of a great work of fiction ... staying power. Characters you can't forget; secrets that unfold and then twist into a whole new secret ... each more thrilling and dangerous than the last.

Don't ever tear out the last short chapter ... and don't be tempted to read it too soon ... save the best, most thought-provoking Twisted Secret for the last gasping moment of this luscious paradox of events that definitely are not what they appear to be at first glance. Chills and anticipation will leave you breathless throughout the entire book. Never a dull moment ... in a quiet small town.

[Kaitlynn Heinl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Good Reads Giveaway and was so excited to receive it in the mail! The author sent me the sweetest personalized letter and it turns out we are from the same area!

I loved the book and finished it in just a couple of days. I enjoyed the fact that I could not guess how it would end or any of the twists and turns. It reminded me of a James Patterson novel due to the short chapters and the amount of action that took place throughout the whole book. I thought the storyline was unique and I appreciated love story that was included as well. Based on how it ended, I am hoping there is another one in the works. I am looking forward to reading some of her other books!

Thank you so much for the letter and book!

[Jackie Mungle · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great book, I had never hear of Donna Zadunajsky before I won this book , I enjoyed her writing a lot. looking forward to more of her books.

[Jackie Mungle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, Thank you Good Reads and Donna M. Zadunajsky for the book. I really didn't see the ending coming, not in a million years did I think of that ending. I really don't want to give it away, so get a copy of this book and enjoy.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

No parent could imagine a more horrible nightmare than to have their child taken. This crime will pull the many characters in the story together to get Lily back to her mother. Donna Zadunajsky has written the characters so well, you have to wonder if this is her worst nightmare too. The story moves quickly as each characters backstory is woven into the whole as the reader tries to figure out how they will save Lily and win the day. A pretty interesting twist on a story line that you didn't think could be twisted any further.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Ashley has gone to visit her friend Carla (featured in book #2) and leaves her beloved daughter Lily with her mom Catherine. Unfortunately, the scene is set for the person stalking Ashley and determined to make her pay for some unknown slight in the past. Lily is kidnapped and the rest of the book deals with the family dynamics of Ashley, Catherine and Lily, along with newly released prisoner Reece. If you are confused, that is to be expected because there are many characters introduced quickly and not developed very well before a new one is introduced. There are several psychos in the plot which makes it hard to determine exactly what happened to Lily. The book started out slow, picked up the pace a little in the middle and then fell flat at the end. It is an okay read for those who enjoy psychological mysteries, but it was hard to keep my interest. I just wanted it to end so I could put all of the loose threads together. The conclusion was okay, but the author threw in another “say, what?” at the end that had me wondering where in the world it was going...and then it didn’t. It just ended.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, Goodreads and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I am completely split in my feelings.

The first half had me captivated. There were several characters which can at times be a little much to manage however, I was certain their connection would be revealed in time. I liked the plot and felt genuine suspense building.

Then about mid-way through I lost it. More than one character suffering from mental illness, several kidnappings in which someone is kidnapped only to be kidnapped by someone else or repeated kidnappings by the same person. Surgery to look like someone else that apparently is so good that nothing makes them distinguishable from one another including voice.

Add to that the language became a little sappy, repetitive and common. Next we’re the grammatical errors. These should have been caught by someone with even the basic knowledge of the English language.

It’s as if this book was written by two completely different people.

So while I enjoyed the book in the beginning, I couldn’t wait for it to wrap up in the end. I give it 2.5/5 stars.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is faced with the nightmare of all parents when her 5-year-old daughter Lily is kidnapped. What makes things worse is that all signs point to either her ex-fiance or her younger brother as the kidnapper. At the same time that all of this is happening Lily’s father comes into the picture and Ashley world is turned upside down. Can Ashley find Lily before the unimaginable happens? Will she be able to uncover who has her daughter and why they have taken her away from her?

This is an amazing story with lots of twists and turns, suspense, and shocking moments. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put the book down. The events that unfold will keep you spellbound and you will never guess the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems and no one is as they present themselves to be. The latest entry to Zadunajsky's Secrets and Second Chances series is the story of Ashley. Ashley met the man of her life, but after one wonderful evening together he disappeared. Ashley at least has the memory of him in her little girl Lily. But while Ashley is caring for a friend who has just lost her husband and child, Lily is taken. Ashley must find her child while sorting out the men in her life: her fiance who she caught in bed with her brother and then there is a new man in town.

Verdict: Although the intrigue kept me going, there were a number of editing misses that made the reading difficult for me. (e.g. the family gets into a "Hearst" at the funeral). The push on some of the medical terms (drugs) and explanations also felt a bit forced. I don't know that I will pick up another entry from this series.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There certainly were a lot of surprise twists in this book. I wondered why it repeatedly seemed the story was over, yet there were so many pages remaining to be read. Suddenly a new twist would appear and left me rapidly flipping pages.

Yet there were a couple of issues that I had a hard time looking past. The major one was that I was initially confused as to who Tate was. First I thought it was a nickname for Rob. The author waited until the reader was 2/3 of the way through the book before explaining how Tate fit into the picture. Wish she would've explained him much earlier. The second issue, although less significant, was how over and over the author kept referring to the hearse at Dan's funeral as a 'Hearst'. Editors should've flagged this.

All in all, though, it was an enjoyable read with an exceptional and page-turning plot.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is book three in the Secrets and Second Chances series, I had no idea, totally can be read as a standalone and not miss a beat. This book gives me mixed feelings, it is heartbreaking as a parent to read about a child going missing - you do not wish that on anyone but it is also so engaging to read. This story starts with a missing six year old girl but the characters that come and go and their contribution to the story, the twists and turns that the author has put in to keep you turning the pages this is a fantastic read. I had a hard time putting it down and found myself picking it up any spare second I had.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Teodora spends her days juggling work, school and her five year old daughter, Lily. Ashley is asked by her best friend, Carla, to help her in Illinois. Carla is going through a rough time herself. When Ashley gets home she is told that Lily has been abducted! How can that be, her grandmother was watching her. Catherine Teodora was watching Lily, she turned her head for just a moment and she was gone! The family is pulled together in this nightmare, but some members of the family are hiding secrets. Secrets that could tear the family apart, but will they help find Lily? You will need to read the book to find out what happens. I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Pullum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother's worst nightmare - her child is missing! Ashley has taken a trip to visit a grieving friend and left her child Lily with her mother. Then she gets the news that her child has been taken and another girl is lso missing. When Ashley gets back to her mother, she finds that her brother has unexpectantly visited and suspicions start. Then out of the blue, Ashley runs into the man she has thought about for the past 5 years and he has a good reason to help her locate her missing daughter.
This book had a good storyline, but I did not care much for the style of writing and could not get past some of the incorrect grammar and spelling. I do thank Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out okay but went downhill.

The voice of the child Lily was not believable. I found her incredibly grating.
The characters represent more than one clichéd and negative example of mental illness.
The narrative contains a lot of clichéd language.
The book should have ended way before it did - I thought it was wrapping up at chapter 60 but no, we were off again for another 20 chapters.

The book has truly ridiculous implausible preposterous plot twists. Ashley and Lily are captured multiple times, and the child Lily is actually kidnapped from her kidnapper by another kidnapper!

This book has the makings of a decent thriller, but the plot needs to be toned way down.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her books just keep getting better and better. I love the suspense twists and turns that come with these story lines. Lily is a 5 year old little girl just visiting the zoo with her grandmother. But that day her life is turned upside down.So much suspense in this one. This one was so well written you never really know who is doing what and why. The ending I wanted to scream and throw my kindle. I have to know what happens. There is some sad parts to this one but that adds to the amazing story line.Donna has gained a fan. I want to read more from her. I am loving the mystery suspense but yet somewhat happy endings. Highly recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley's story is every parents worst nightmare, a child kidnapped. Twisted Secrets is a heartbreakingly beautiful story full of heartache, mystery, suspense and twists that captivated me. I was on the edge of my seat turning the pages to find out who took Lily and why. I have read the three books in the Secrets and Second Chances series and I recommend them to everyone who loves great novels. I can't wait to read whatever this author comes up with next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A parents worse nightmare is when their child goes missing and Ashley Teodara is absolutely torn apart to learn her little girl Lily has been abducted after returning home from visiting her distraught girlfriend in another town.. Her mother Cathearine is devastated because she is the last one to have been with Lily, she was gone in seconds from her sight. This drama keeps you on edge never knowing who to trust with many twists and turns and deep held secrets that are revealed up to the very last pages.

[Nora Leduc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of Twisted Secrets by the author in exchange for an honest review. Donna M. Zadunajsky has written an entertaining story with lots of twists.The characters were interesting, but at times, I wished for more information their lives and what had turned them into the people they'd become. But if you're a thriller fan, you're bound to appreciate the plot and surprises in each chapter.
I rate it 4.5 stars

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of a series. This book will keep you guessing as to what will happen next. There are many twists and turns to the story of a Grandmother, Mom and granddaughter. I have never read a book with such unique storyline. You will find the ending wanting more. I invite all readers to read and enjoy this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is living in a quiet town with her daughter until a child disappears. A friend calls for help so she goes leaving her daughter with her gran. Then her child goes missing and he arrives back from prison. Can they work together to get their daughter back? See if they can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many characters to choose from who could have kidnapped Ashley’s 5-year-old daughter the suspense is off the charts with this one! The author once again has produced an amazing novel! Haven’t read anything by this author that I haven’t enjoyed, she is fast becoming a favourite of mine!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intricately woven story that twists and turns and keeps me turning the pages. This is one of this author's best though this is only a 3rd book I've read from her and I've loved them all. This is one of my favorites.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Secrets by Donna M. Zadunajsky is a wondrful story to read. This is a wonderful story by a brand new author I just found. I loved reading this story cause I love reading suspense stories and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading suspens stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Zadunajsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Secrets

Twisted Secrets 'Secrets and Second Chances' Book 3 has been an adventure working on. The story took me in so many different directions I didn't want to stop writing until I finished the book. With an ending that will keep you wondering, what comes next?

[Lou Awamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quasi-interesting but not my kind of book

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

the title is fitting!

Well well well this book sure kept me on my toes so many twists and turns, and not sure who was who! great read!

[Teresa Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 4.3/5

This book describes a scenario that would break just about any parents' heart. Ashley, the main character, asks her mother Catherine, to watch her daughter Lily. When they both go to the zoo, Lily disappears. Ashley is out of town visiting a friend, so when she gets a call that Lily has gone missing, she immediately rushes back to help Catherine find Lily. Reece, although just released out of prison, somehow finds his way towards Ashley. A slow romance forms between Reece and Ashley. With the help of Reece, Ashley and Catherine go to desperate lengths to find Lily.

I think the author did a good job of keeping everyone guessing who the culprit was. Even after the culprit's identity is released, the author throws in some great plots twists to the overall book. I think it was interesting how the author also included all of the characters' points of view, including Lily's. Not many thriller novels include a child's point-of-view, so I think that added a realistic feeling of anxiety for the main characters. Overall, I think this is a great thriller read.

**A huge thank you to Donna Zadunajsky and Goodreads for sponsoring this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way affected by the giveaway of this book.**