Secret Keeper

Peyton Stratford is her family's unofficial keeper of all things secret, from the petty and mundane to the potentially life-changing. But Peyton is keeping a secret of her own. And it's a doozy. Pastor Brice Northam is used to hearing secrets. After all, it's part of his job description. But he's about to hear one that's going to challenge him almost as much as his feelings for the person confessing. Peyton needs some serious help from Brice, but how much does she dare tell him? And what, exactly, is Brice hiding from Peyton-and himself? Clearly they both have some serious soul-searching to do. But maybe, just maybe, the answer to secrets isn't silence. Or more secrets. Maybe it's love. * * * Note: While the Secret Keeper series does feature some characters who are Christian (the hero is a pastor, so that's a dead giveaway), it is not a Christian romance in the traditional sense, and some characters find themselves in adult situations and using strong language. Not that the pastor approves! But he's fallen in love with a complex, modern woman whose life is anything but predictable. If you think you could too, then dive in. Bring your sense of humor and your compassion, and then hold on for the emotional ride of your life!

Peyton and Brice are on top of the world. And why not? They're in love, they're married, and this time, they're not keeping any secrets from each other. But then out of the blue, Stefan sends an email with an offer she can't refuse, and Peyton is faced with a choice. Should she tell him about their child, her Secret who didn't make it? Isn't that the morally correct choice? But if she does, what will that mean for their business relationship... and her marriage? Brice is going to need all his powers of communication and understanding if he's going to protect his headstrong but vulnerable wife; especially a wife who doesn't think she needs any help. But her troubles with her past are now threatening their future.

It's no secret that having a new baby is exhausting. And it's no secret that Peyton is so sleep-deprived she's practically walking into walls. But it's no secret that she loves her son-and her husband. So when Brice wants to move from Chicago-away from Peyton's family and job and friends and familiar home-she says yes, because she knows how much it will mean to his career and how much he wants this change. But now Peyton is keeping a secret about their new life: she hates it. Then there's the secret she's keeping, or at least trying to keep, from her new town and new church-that she's just no good at this 'pastor's wife' thing. At least they don't know about her past. And there's no way that secret could ever get out, is there?

Life is perfect. Sure, Peyton has her hands full with the addition of rambunctious twins, but she's settling in to life in Springfield, the church has been rebuilt after the tornado, and even her and Brice's nemesis, Pastor Long, makes a surprise announcement that would have Peyton breaking out in a fist pump if she weren't working on self-control.But suddenly Brice is struck down-literally-and Peyton finds herself fighting for both his recovery and her ability to cope. On top of that, the arrival of a handsome stranger arouses some unwelcome but undeniable feelings. And even Pastor Long isn't done with surprises-and this one isn't nearly so pleasant.How did Peyton's perfect life go so wrong? And what, if anything, can she do to protect her family? When outside forces threaten all she holds dear, it's time for Peyton to rise to the challenges-and hold on for all she's worth.