Don't Say a Word

Julia DeMarco is grateful to Michael, her fiance, for remaining at her side during her mother's illness and, later, death. So, she finally decides to book a date for the wedding after a year long engagement. While in a museum (the tentative wedding location) waiting to speak with the coordinator, she sees a deceased photographer's display showing a photo of a Russian girl in front of an orphanage bearing a striking resemblance to herself. She can't help but wonder if that is her since she has no memories from her early childhood and the little girl is wearing the same necklace her mother gave her as a child. Julia begins her search by locating the photographer's son, Alex Manning, to discuss the photograph. Alex too is shocked by the striking resemblance of Julia to the little girl. Alex recalls his father telling him never to speak of the photograph prior to his 'accidental' death twenty-five years earlier. After his father's death, Alex put his "heart on ice" and became a dedicated photographer whose sole mission is to get the shot no one else can. Julia and Alex unite in a fast paced quest to find the truth about the little girl and the mystery behind the circumstances surrounding the photograph. Michael, jealous of her time with Alex, wants Julia to stop the search and commit to the wedding plans. Julia's sister, Liz, feels it is a betrayal to search for biological parents/family since she has received nothing but love and acceptance her entire life. Julia continues her search regardless and, together with Alex, they unravels a series of lies and half-truths that eventually lead them both to the truth neither of them expected. With a series of twists and turns, DON'T SAY A WORD tells an excellent tale of suspense with a little romance along the way. The characters all develop throughout the novel. Liz can easily frustrate the reader, but she eventually settles down and stops being a nag. After all, she's in the story so the reader doesn't feel completely horrible about Julia and Michael. Alex and Julia are an excellent match. Julia learns, not only about her past, but about her true feeling for Alex, Michael and her future. The chemistry between Julia and Alex is undeniable and leads the reader to wonder if Julia is the one who can thaw his heart.

I loved this book, it has to be one of my favorites. From the first to the last page this book kept me hooked. It was full of mystery and suspense as well as romance. Brabara Freethy has created such wonderful characters in this book. They are so easy to relate to! "Don't Say a Word" was such a easy read I never wanted to put the book down. It was fantastic! I now have a new favorite author!

I love DON'T SAY A WORD. We get to go on a world wide search with Julia & Alex to find Julia's roots. The mystery has many twists and turns and some surprises too. I loved every moment of it--great mystery with just enough romance IMO From the moment Julie sees the photo of the little girl with the same necklace she has til the mystery is solved I couldn't read fast enough--now I'm wondering if we will see her sister's book?

Don't Say A Word is one of the best books I've read all year. It had just the right amount of romance and suspense. Sometimes in romantic suspense, I feel like the mystery takes over, but there was a nice balance in this book. I loved Julia and Alex. They were a great couple with lots of chemistry. The mystery kept me guessing and kept me turning the pages. Once I got started reading I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it!

This is a can't-put-it-down book, filled with twists and turns you don't see coming. Julia is a great character struggling to come to grips with the idea she's not who she thinks she is. As the plot unfolds she has to cope with secrets and revelations about her past. The romance is fabulous, and the San Francisco setting with its ethnic neighborhoods and gorgeous views is a perfect backdrop for the story. I loved it! You will too.