The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes: A Novel (Target Book Club Edition) Paperback – May 17, 2016

The characters in this book were deep and rich. Their emotions real. As I was reading the book, I couldn’t imagine how it would end, but in true Diane Chamberland style it was done beautifully.

Plot/Storyline: 4 3/4 StarsThe book opened in present day, then catapulted the reader into the past to seemingly unrelated characters to tell the story of CeeCee Wilkes as a teenager who gets involved in a kidnapping. I found this story organizational style a little annoying because it distracted me as I was constantly trying to figure out where the prologue portion fit in and how to tie the events together.However, the story of CeeCee Wilkes' teen life more than made up for that aspect. The reader wass gradually drawn into CeeCee's life and made to really care about her. Although CeeCee appeared to do some pretty ignorant things, they were really just naive. Every portion was believable.I especially enjoyed the letters from her mother. They fit in so well with the storyline.The ending was complete and satisfying. There were a couple of times that I was afraid the author would end the book early, leaving me hanging. Instead she chose to tell the tale in its entirety.More time should have been given to Eve's raising of her daughter. There were issues later that I just couldn't fathom as being so extreme from the glimpses I got of her daughter growing up. I just didn't get enough evidence to show that Eve had caused any of her daughter's later problems, especially as debilitating as they were.The defining factor of this novel was how it covered so many controversial topics and made the reader really think and see both sides in unconventional ways.Character Development: 4 3/4 StarsCeeCee Wilkes was so well developed that I think any reader could empathize with her and understand her need for love causing her to do everything she did. Ms. Chamberlain did a terrific job of giving us deep insight into CeeCee's character through her thoughts and actions.Eve was intriguing, also. However, her husband was very flat. He really needed a little more depth and background. Also, he was treated mostly as a peripheral character, even though I think he played a very large part in the story, as any spouse would in such a situation.Eve's daughters were unique in their personalities. Although I didn't like the older one at all, she stayed in character throughout. The younger one, much more likable, could have used a little more fleshing out, but was still a great addition to the story.Writing Style: 5 StarsThe sentence structure was complex and created a smooth reading flow. The voice changed as needed as CeeCee got older, so that readers could feel the deepening maturity.The descriptions were verbose at times, but well done. The dialogue was good and had excellent tone.Rating: PG-14 for light Sexual References

This story was so good. Hard book to put down. The characters were very flawed but you couldn't help but like them. I would highly recommend this book.

I read by now a half dozen books by D. Chamberlain and this one is maybe my favorite, along with The midwife's secret.This book strays from from her usual themes, although motherhood and deception are still important aspects in the story. But most of all, the focus is on starting a new life, and leaving the lies and secrets behind - if it is possible to ever do that.At sixteen years old, Ceecee has dreams and projects but has to find her own way into the world, since she's motherless - her father was never in the picture. She is also naive, and falls for the wrong guy, one who'll lure her into a harebrained scheme that will force her into a new identity. (BTW, the title's all wrong : it should read "The secret life of Eve Bailey", since CeeCee Wilkes all but disappears. But anyway. Ceecee sounds so much better.)The first half of the book is breathtaking and I read it in one go, so much happens so quickly. The second half spans years and years and you are kept waiting, how, when, what if the secrets come out?The nicest touch was the beginning of each chapter, with an excerpt of one of the letters left to Ceecee by her dying mother. They're both touching and, well, let's just say Ceecee didn't heed them.

Another Diane Chamberlain book that you won’t put down until you finish it. The story was a tad unbelievable, but who cares? It was a story. Enjoy another book with suspense, caring for characters, and wanting to see how it ends. I love her writing and I’ll keep reading her stories.

This was my first book by author Diane Chamberlain, but it won't be my last! I loved her style of writing, her characters and her ability to draw the reader into the story and never let them leave. The reader is frantic to know what is going to happen next, what has happened to the characters and how the author will resolve the storyline.The reader can't help but to feel sorry for the characters as they try to figure out their lives. They will laugh, cry, yell and ugly cry at some of the things that occurred in the story - this reader instantly wanted to start the book again after she finished to see what she missed the first time that she zoomed through it!Don't hesitate to add this one to your TBR list and move it to the top! I now have the hard job of deciding which one to read by her next - Enjoy, it's one that will be sure to leave you with a book hangover!

There was so much tragedy, and I truly mean tragedy in this book that it literally gave me nightmares. I would wake up in the middle of the night afraid because I was in the story. Not good, obviously. I just don't know how CeeCee, the main character, could be so dumb, so totally dumb. Are there people really like that? I'm glad that I stuck with it and finished the book, because there was peace in the end. The book was well written, it just wasn't fun to read, so that is the reason for three stars.

Lento al principio, más muy bueno y diferente

Like the last three reviewers I found I had already read this excellent story in the English version, The Lost Child. I just wish I had read the reviews before I bought it as I now understand that this is the American version.

quite good

This is my third Diane Chamberlain novel and so far the best although I also love the first two I read. Now I can't wait to read all her books.This book was so well written and it made me care about the characters and what they were going through. Once I began reading I had a hard time putting it down but when I had to, I looked forward to when I could escape to reading it again. This novel deserves better then five stars.

Yet another great story from Diane Chamberlain! This book is simply a great read, an absolute must for any Diane Chamberlain fan. You are drawn in right from the start, and can,t put it down till you,re finished. What a wonderful author.