A Secret in the Keys (by Hope Holloway)
I learned about A Secret in the Keys by Hope Holloway while scrolling through Audible. It was included with my membership, so I decided to give it a try. Two things grabbed my attention.
First, it's written by Hope Holloway. Last December I stumbled upon her Carolina Christmas series, set in Asheville. I listened to the first book, The Asheville Christmas Cabin, and loved it — the Christmas holiday and Asheville, North Carolina are a great combination for me, and I plan to read more of that series this upcoming holiday season.
Second, the Coconut Key series is set in the Florida Keys, another location I have fond memories of. Growing up, my family spent some winter holidays in the Keys, and a few years ago my husband and I celebrated a life-changing event in Key West. While I was reluctant to get caught up in another series, I couldn't resist trying a book set in the Keys.
After her husband of 34 years leaves her, Beck Foster is forced to rebuild her life. Reluctantly, she and her grown daughter travel to Coconut Key for what she thinks is a party for her estranged aunt, Lovely. There, Beck reconnects with family, begins to imagine a new start—including a possible romance—and learns that a secret kept for nearly fifty years has shaped her whole life. The story is women’s fiction with family drama, second chances, and a light romantic thread, set against a sunny Keys backdrop.
My thoughts on this book really fluctuated. I was interested from the start as Holloway laid out the plot, but there were a few frustrating stretches where it felt like I was being strung along, waiting for the protagonist to actually get to Coconut Key. I assume the intention was to build suspense, but it didn't really suit my taste, and I almost bailed on the novel.
A break from the audiobook helped. I realized I was tired, which usually means I have less patience for anything that nags at me. After caffeine and dinner, I went back. I’m glad I did. Once Beck settled into the reunion, I wanted to see how this turning point would unfold, and how the family would take a truth that rewrote what Beck thought she knew.
I especially loved the setting. Holloway’s descriptions of water, light, and that small-island pace make Coconut Key feel like paradise.
Amy McFadden did a lovely job narrating this story.
It was a pleasure to spend time in the Keys with these characters. I’m not sure yet whether I’ll continue the series, but it will stay on my wishlist for the next time I want a mental vacation south.
You're welcome to check out my review of the first Hope Holloway book I read, linked below.
I'm not sure if dahlias grow in the Florida Keys, but I thought my Labyrinth dahlias looked tropical enough to pair with this book's cover. Please enjoy a few more photos of this stunning flower.
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