Secrets: A Novel

 Long-Hidden Secrets Unveiled at a Lovely Old Villa

Antonia stared out the Studebaker's rear window as it sped away from her grandfather Quillan's Sonoma villa, leaving behind the vineyard that had been life to her family -- a life now lost....
 
The old villa needed what Rese Barrett could do as well as any man on the crew. Trained by the best, she had honed her skills with a passion for quality, an eye for detail, and no room for compromise. Renovation was her joy--taking something old and making it new without changing the heart if it. But this time the inn she restored was hers, and this time she worked alone....
 
The answers were there if he could find them, and the commission from his grandmother Antonia compelled him to do so.  Brash and impulsive, Lance Michelli arrived at the inn sure of his quest and sensing his right. After all, it was part of his heritage.
 
Chef, musician, and spellbinder, Lance talked his way into her plans before she'd even made them and had Rese telling secrets she'd never before revealed.  He spoke of faith as if he could touch it, but how much more was left unsaid?

Winner of the Christy Award, presented by the Christian Bookseller Association to honor the best in Christian fiction.

Selected by ForeWord Magazine as a 2003 Book of the Year (Gold Award in Romance category)

"Ms. Heitzmann has penned another winner. This beautifully written novel tells the poignant story of a woman who has learned to solely rely on herself, and the man who teaches her that it is acceptable to lean on someone else every once and awhile. Using the theme that everyone wears masks and holds secrets close to their heart, Ms. Heitzmann makes the point that, although there is a part of us we keep hidden from the world, God knows the true us. And better still, He loves us, even the darkest parts of us. As the story progresses, Rese learns another fundamental truth about God. When He is in our hearts, we are never alone. Although throughout our life people may fail us, we have only to look to God for the One who always walks beside us, never wavering, never failing.

Rese's profession, a carpenter, also provides a unique depth to this story. In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul remarks, 'he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ.' God, as the Creator, has shaped us, molded us into His image, and is at work in us all the days of our lives. Much as Rese, the carpenter, is doing renovating the villa and restoring it to its former glory. These poignant, underlying themes tug at the reader's heart, giving them a desire to be better, to put their faith in God's hand and to let Him complete the work He has begun in us long before we were born.

Lance is a wonderful hero full of faith and conviction and a love for his family. His overwhelming charm makes it impossible for Rese to resist him, yet the fact that he has so much more to offer, besides an appealing personality, makes him a true hero. His love for the Lord and his determination to follow God's path, no matter what the cost, shows not only Rese, but the reader as well, that God's way is not always the easiest path to follow, yet it is the most rewarding.

Secrets begins each chapter with a short poem, a dedication to the Old World customs of the vineyard; picking grapes, fermenting them into wine, singing, love, laughter and sights and sounds. These poetry excerpts add a nice touch to the novel, bringing a rich flavor to the story and drawing readers into the setting, allowing them to feel the sensations, textures, and experience the smells of a picturesque vineyard.

This reviewer cannot give a more glowing recommendation for this book. Filled with an uplifting message, an intriguing plot, and wonderful characters that will live on in your heart, Secrets is bound to wind up on your keeper shelf.

The sequel, Unforgotten, will be available in the summer of 2005, and this reviewer anxiously awaits the next installment in Lance and Rese's story as more hidden truths in this exciting story are revealed." --Love Romances

"In Kristen Heitzmanns Secrets, Lance Michellis grandmother, debilitated by a stroke, sends him to her old villa in Sonoma to discover the secrets she cannot voice. Rese Barret has bought the aging building with hopes of turning it into a thriving bed and breakfast, and she's suspicious of Lance the moment he steps in the door.

Lance persuades her to hire him as a cook/maid, despite her misgivings. When she's unimpressed by his superb culinary skills, he determines to break through her crusty shell, but his first priority is uncovering his grandmother's secrets. Rese's nosy-but-sweet elderly neighbor Evvy suggests he could be the key to opening Rese's heart toward God, but Lance isn't so sure. And every day that he keeps his secrets only makes it worse.

The sparring and often humorous conflict between the two main characters contrasts poignantly with the heart-rending mysteries in their lives. Fans of Heitzmann's DIAMOND OF THE ROCKIES series will enjoy its distant connection to this contemporary story. The author's skillful handling of an expected plot device--Rese discovering Lance's motives right before he confesses them--transcends cliche in a way other authors should take note of. A stirring read that women will enjoy." --Christian Book Previews

"Secrets is an engaging contemporary romance starring two wonderful lead protagonists (though Lance is too adept at seemingly everything) and a fine somewhat eccentric support cast. The story line is character driven as Rese and Lance do not want love, but cannot stop the feelings between them. Nonna's Secret's will intrigue the audience as like Rese fans will become obsessed to know what she truly wants and hope he delivers it without hurting or losing Rese. The underlying message is simply with God and love even an antihero can become a champion." --Midwest Book Review

"I have to say that this book caught me by surprise. Before I even opened the book, I had expected just another ' have faith in God' novel. Not that I have anything against that kind of book - they just aren't my usual reading preference. And this book did have a message to put your faith in God. The surprise was that it was done so skillfully and subtly. The story caught my interest from the first pages and held me to the very last. Kristen Heitzmann's style of writing and insight make the characters come to life. Their frustrations, indecision, and emotions are tangible. One is secure in his faith, and the other has none...Aside from emotions and challenges the two must face, there are 'Secrets' to be revealed and mysteries to be solved. This was a very good book. It was very easy to become immersed in the story. I wouldn't hesitate to read the sequel that is to be released in the future."  --Romance Reader at Heart

"This is the first time I've ever read anything by Ms.Heitzmann so I came to this story with both an open mind and open heart. Without going into a long and detailed sysnopsis suffice it to say that this is a strongly driven character read that will have the reader glued to the pages if only to see how Lance and Rese will finally deal with all of the baggage that they both carry. 

This story is full of rich and wonderful characters (including a dog that likes to ride a Harley) and wonderful descriptive scenes regarding Sonoma (I'm from this part of California) that places the reader right in the heart of this wonderful part of California. Ms. Heitzmann uses the secrets of Nonna as another vehicle for this story, and as a result the mystery surrounding her request of Lance will also keep the reader firmly engaged. Rese may seem unlikeable in the beginning of this story, but readers should give her a chance before writing her off. Lance on the other hand seems almost too perfect except we the reader know from the beginning that he has a secret of his own. As a result of this push and pull the romance between Rese and Lance is strongly written, and the reader can believe that they are truly falling in love with each other. For a well-rounded read I highly recommend Ms. Heitzmann's Secrets. You won't be disappointed." --Inspirational Romance Writers, A Romance Designs Community Website

"...Secrets is a definite hit. The characters are well developed and intriguing. The mystery kept me entranced all the way through, and left me hanging for some answers (to be addressed in a sequel, Unforgotten). Lance has a heart for God and a soft spot for people, especially women, who need help. His methods (lying to Rese) make him both a more realistic person and less of a Christian role model. Rese is a headstrong young woman, who has steeled herself due to working in a career dominated by men. Secrets is a wonderful combination of contemporary fiction, romance and mystery, with a strong faith message that is neither preachy nor condescending."--Melissa Parcel, Bookloons.com