The Secret of Everything

This book doesn't belong in the top tier because it's not life-changing or edifying in any way, but boy does it entertain! It was the quintessential "beach book" and, if truth be told, probably a "chick book." It was just what I needed to push away the winter doldrums and get my mind off anything stressful, and I carried it with me so I could read whenever I was waiting for anything (dentist's office, meetings, etc.). Tessa... Read Full Review

This book is wonderful. As Tessa searches for and discovers the secret of everything we become involved in a touching story of love. Barbara O'Neal has such a marvelous talent when it comes to her women. They are strong and confident, graceful and gutsy. While they connect with each other you are inextricably drawn to them. The Secret of Everything is as satisfying as chocolate melting in the mouth. It is to be savored... Read Full Review

Following the total disaster in Montana, thirty seven years old hiking tour guide Tessa Harlow returns home to her father Sam the surfer dude in Santa Cruz. While her foot is in a cast healing, mentally Tessa thinks about her birthplace, Las Ladronas, New Mexico. Tessa decides it is time to truly go home. .In Las Ladronas, Tessa meets single dad Vince Grasso and his three girls (Natalie, Hannah and Jade). Vince and Tessa... Read Full Review

When I picked up this book at Target, I didn't realize it was written by the same author of The Lost Recipe For Happiness, another book I truly enjoyed and own. About 1/4 of the way through the book, I checked the authors on both books and realized they were the same. O'Neal's style of writing is so descriptive and unique. While you can read the book's summary in, well, the summary section, I'll explain what I thought made... Read Full Review

Tessa Harlow enjoyed leading hiking tours until the hike that had a nightmarish ending. Feeling tremendous guilt and responsibility for the incident she goes to her father's home to heal. From the time of the accident she has flashbacks from her early childhood - memories that don't make sense. Feeling a pull to the area where she spent the first years of her life, Tessa heads to New Mexico to scout possible hiking tours and... Read Full Review