Blog Tour Review, The Secrets We Hide

The Secrets We Hide
Patricia Sands

382 pages
Published August 25, 2022

Amazon | Goodreads

About the book

The deep traditions and values of Kaito Tanaka’s Japanese heritage are severely tested when he returns home to Honolulu from duty in Vietnam to find his wife, Hana, in the grip of progressive mental health challenges.

As Hana’s condition worsens, Kaito’s life becomes absorbed in protecting and caring for her and their daughter, Kiana. Hana becomes increasingly reclusive while their daughter Kiana grows troubled and rebellious. A friend’s mysterious death followed by Kiana’s sudden disappearance cut deeply into Kaito’s soul. Meditation is Kaito’s drug of choice. Secrecy hides the truth from others but Kaito’s commitment to Hana is unwavering.

As years go by, Kaito begins to make an annual pilgrimage to a Buddhist retreat in Koyasan that renews his spirit. In the end, a serendipitous coincidence there opens the door to happiness – if he can allow himself to accept it.

“Set against lush backdrops in Hawaii, Japan, Corsica, and the south of France, this beautiful story of resilience perfectly balances the heartbreak and destruction of mental illness with the compassion and serenity of an unforgettable hero.” Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us.

My review

So the self proclaimed thriller junkie stuck in a romance rut, stumbled into this one.  There is a Japanese man living in Hawaii after returning from Vietnam.  I love when a book gives me a glimpse into another world and this one did.  I am so intrigued by Eastern religion and the zen of it and the descriptions of how Kaito used it to quite his chaos.

Showing the strength of family, love, friendship and culture through Kaito.  Not only dealing with mental illness, but the toll it takes on those around them.  I can’t even imagine the pain and struggle.  This one is beautifully written and kept me wanting more.  It was like I was living with Kaito and his family’s experiences right along with them.

At moments heartbreaking and yes I did cry, there was also hope.  This is why I do book tours.  I would never have chosen this book and while it is still early, it is my favorite September read so far.

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