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With sensitivity and grace, New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby addresses a very real and serious issue in an inspiring tale of one family’s mission to shed light into the darkest corner of their lives.
On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child—astraight-A student, helpful and cooperative, never getting into trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather.
But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.
Too frightened to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won’t understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence. When her dilemma only intensifies with time, the bright, hardworking girl turns sullen, becoming increasingly disinterested in her studies. But on theverge of losing everything, Jillian will discover she has more strength than she ever imagined . . . and the power to change her fate.
Kim Roby tells a poignant story of Jillian Matthews, a young girl struggling to survive sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather. The character is at the heart of this novel, and the intensity of her emotions drives the story. Readers will weep with Jillian and bear the burden of the pain right along with her.
Roby does an excellent job focusing on all the areas of this problem including the development of shame, guilt and depression; the loss of self-esteem. Through subplots we learn how sexual abuse leads to domestic violence, promiscuity, and other psycho-social behavioral issues.
A Deep Dark Secret is an insightful, timely and necessary look at a growing problem that hides under the veil of manipulation and secrecy. I hope women and teens everywhere will read this story and begin discussions that will uncover the darkness.
Review by Rhonda McKnight
See more of my reviews at www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR. IT IS SO WELL WRITTEN. IT CATCHES YOUR ATTENTION FROM THE FIRST PAGE, AND KEEPS DRAWING YOU IN UNTIL THE BOOK IS FINISH. TWO THUMBS UP TO MRS. ROBY FOR A JOB WELL DONE. HOW MANY YOUNG GIRLS COULD THIS BE HAPPENING TO RIGHT NOW WAS ALL I KEPT THINKING ABOUT. COULD IT BE HAPPENING TO SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY???? I KNOW THE NUMBERS ARE FRIGHTENING, BUT WE HAVE TO KEEP LETTING OUR BABIES KNOW THAT IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT, AND THAT THEY MUST SPEAK OUT IN ORDER TO STOP THE ABUSE AND GET HELP. THIS IS ONE SECRET THAT MUST BE TOLD EVERY TIME.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book takes at look at a problem that is often heard about but details it from the point of view of the victim. It is so sad but written beautifully. I could barely put the book down and read it in a couple of hours. It is definitely a collection keeper if your a Roby fan like me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 1, 2010
Excellent book. I read it in one day. This was one of her best books I have read.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I sat down and finished this book last night. When I first started reading the book, I found parts of it difficult. I'm glad I forced myself to stay with the story. Was well worth it. The author tackles a difficult and sensitive topic by telling a compelling story from the child's point of view. This book makes you think about the people you allow into your children's lives.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Kimberla Lawson Roby's "A Deep Dark Secret" is about Jillian Maxwell, a young girl who is excited as she's finally getting a (step)father and a baby sister. Jillian's life changes. Her smile and happiness are all a facade as she's forced to keep this deep dark secret for fear that no one will believe her.
Sadly, "A Deep Dark Secret" is a reality that too many children are living. This story made me both sad and angry. Despite the turmoil, I couldn't wait to turn the pages to see if Jillian would finally reveal her secret.
"A Deep Dark Secret," while very heart-wrenching, should be mandatory reading. More children need to understand what should and shouldn't be kept private.
Reviewed by: Lauren
4.5
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 16, 2011
I read all Kimberlys books, I feel like Im apart of her bloodline. She keeps it real with whats going on this world today. Thats why she is one my favorite authors.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 16, 2011
FAST READ, GOOD BOOK, PAGE TURNER..
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 31, 2011
This is a good book that unfortunenately tells a true story of some people. A startling look into abuse.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is a short novella about a terrible secret a young girl must keep about molestation. A terrible problem in today's world and it takes you on a journey through her young life and problems. I believe all young adult women should read this book and hopefully will help some dealing with the same infliction. The author voiced this story in a very intelligent way insuring the reader would be very interested in the outcome rather than focusing on the twisted villian.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This was my very first time reading one of her books and I must say it will not be my last!! Very good read!! Very emotional topic! I believe everyone should read!!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is one of her best books. It's sad to think that so many young children are going through the same thing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 29, 2010
i found this to be a very good reader. The author did a great job with this book. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. i read the entire in a couple of days. The book is very easy to read and it kept me interested. It's a must read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 11, 2009
very good book
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Great book!!! I hated what this little girl had to endure. And to think this is going on in our world today is so sad. More people need to speak up.
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Posted June 7, 2012
I thought the book was great. It delt with an issue that's going on all over america today, so in my opinion this book is a must read.
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Posted March 12, 2011
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Posted October 1, 2010
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Posted December 11, 2009
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Posted January 25, 2010
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Overview
With sensitivity and grace, New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby addresses a very real and serious issue in an inspiring tale of one family’s mission to shed light into the darkest corner of their lives.
On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child—astraight-A student, helpful and cooperative, never getting into trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an ...