Once Upon a Secret

Once Upon a Secret is a very satisfying novel that goes beyond the standard romance and touches on other issues in people's lives. Her characters are alive and the dialogue is moving. It's refreshing to read about a rock star and a small-town doctor and how they negotiate the differences in their diverse lives.

ONCE UPON A SECRET Catherine Andorka ISBN 1-8932108-16-3 Neighborhood Press Available nowContemporary Romance Location: Chicago Tori Glenn is a Chiroprator who is raising her fifteen year old brother Keven after her parent's death. Brad Daniels is a famous rock star who is performing in concert in her area. Kevin won a state-wide contest for young journalists and has an interview with Brad Daniels. He and his sister attend the concert and have back stage passes. While Tori is a conservative woman, she finds herself immediately attracted to Brad. She holds herself back believing he has plenty of women throwing themselves at him. She's suffered a broken heart once and is afraid to open herself up to be hurt again. Besides, they are complete opposites with different lifestyles. But Brad is not the typical rock star. He is not a womanizer and has many of the same values as Tori. Her skill as a Chiroprator comes in handy when Brad is injured by over enthusiastic fans. The first thrust of infatuation grows swiftly into love but along with their closeness is his fear that she'll find out his secret. He uses various ruses to cover up the problem which he is afraid will put an irreversible rift in their in their relationship. Even though he's a success as what he does, his self-esteem in certain areas is low. They are two wounded souls finding love and fullfillment in each other. Despite the difficulties they encounter it is obvious these two are meant for each other. Major publishers have expressed their prejudice against rock stars in romance books claiming the readers can't identify with the life style. Perhaps that is one of the reasons this author chose epublishing. however, Catherine Andorka bridges that gap by creating a female protagonist who approaches the rock scene as we might have. Brad is not the usual coke head, ego maniac star either but a man looking for acceptance, love, and family. As I read the book I was charmed by the characters, and pleased by the flawless writing style of the author. As with so many of the ebooks I've reviewed lately, I'm amazed at the quality of writing. I hope that epublishing achieves the success of traditional book publishing so that talented authors like Catherine Andorka get the recognition they are due.reviewed by Bea Sheftel

I've always been drawn to the charm of rock stars, and Brad Daniels was no exception. The author expressed the character's "human side" very well. Additionally, I found it easy to relate to the heroine. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who have ever had a rock and roll fantasy!!!

A great romance. Who said you can't write a rock star hero and pull it off? Cathy Andorka has written a wonderful romance. If you are looking for characters to care about who learn and grow read this book.I look forward to this author's next book.

I loved this book--it goes to show you that rock stars are people too! I wasn't sure at my age if I could get into a rock star hero, however, this was such a refreshing change from the usual "same old, same old." How nice to read about a heroine with strength and brains, instead of a "princess" waiting for her white knight to come and rescue her. The "secret" in this book is presented in a unique way, and makes the characters all the more human. I am certainly looking forward to this author's next book. Bravo!