Most of our discussion encompassed the question of what would you do in the same situation...faced with the kidnapping, the rearing of the child, and the fate of Timothy Gleason in relation to the effect on your family.

Great discussion book. What would you do if you were in Cee Cee's place? Our book club loved this bok and we were mixed in what we would have done if n Cee Cee's position.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was an easy read and the story kept my interest. The lessons of making good choices and forgiveness ring loud and clear. Everything we do affects the future and everyone we care about. Our book club gave it high ratings and everyone enjoyed it.

This was an interesting read that brought up many mixed emotions. It made for great book club conversations.

This was a really great book. There were a lot of themes worth discussing including the overprotectiveness of a child and how our secrets may hurt others. Not to mention, it was an easy read and all the characters each were worth talking about.

I liked Cee Cee, but I also feel like for as "good" as she was made out to be, she would have done the right thing at 16 rather than wait until she was much older. But then, there would be no story. Scary as probably something like this really could happen with a naive teen who has not had a lot of influence during very formative years to give a strong moral compass. Easily sucked into "cult-like" activity because of the facade of love and care for her.

I liked this book, but did not love it. I think the main flaw in the plot was that Cee Cee is portrayed as such a "good" person, yet she has this horrible secret which she seems to be incongruous with her character. Seems like the story would be more believable if she was horrible and this baby came in to her life and it caused her to turn around. The Cee Cee in the book would have come clean right away. Also, too much like "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". Lots of similarities--a daughter snatched at birth, money showing up from a someone at irregular intervals, etc.

What a great book about a young girl who makes the wrong choice and it affects the rest of her life. She tries to wrong the right even though she knows that it will destroy the people she loves. This book is a must read!!!!!

I was hesitant to read this book because I am used to reading memoirs - but was pleasantly surprised. This is a very well written story that is not predictable. It keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys "social" reading.

I couldnl't put it down!!

Our Book Club enjoyed this book and found a lot to discuss. It was a fast and easy read, and everyone had an opinion on the ending!

A fast read, good for book club converstion

One of my absolute favorite books!!!!! Couldn't put it down!

Very good book - a page turner!

I fell in love with this book it was very powerful

A very good book! Well worth the trip to the bookstore!

I have to say that the idea of the story could really have held my interest. Unfortunately, the poor choices and unbelievable naivete of the main character was frustrating, at best. To further add to my disappointment, in spite of all her poor choices, everything ALWAYS worked out sugar sweet and nice. Please. It's great to have a nice happy ending, but it would be nice to have a LITTLE reality!

An easy read. Although I did like the book (it had an interesting storyline), I felt there were many parts, especially the CeeCee section that were poorly written. It was hard to feel alot of sympathy for many of the characters. Some actions of the characters were not explained (i.e. girlfriend's suicide); the ending was unconvincing and too neatly tied up.

Well-written book, that kept the reader's attention. Good book discussions about family, secrets and what would you do in if faced with the situation.

http://www.birdybookclub.blogspot.com/2013/08/july-book-secret-life-of-ceecee-wilkes.html

Our bookclub members all loved this book. We were able to skype with Diane Chamberlain, and found her to be just wonderful. She was happy to visit with us and answer a bunch of questions as well as share a little about her own life and experiences. The book itself made for a great discussion amongst our members. I, personally, found it one of the best books I've ever read, and I look forward to reading more of Diane Chamberlain's novels.

A bit difficult to discuss as a group since it was very straight forward. Also, by the end, the sympathy you were obviously meant to feel for CeeCee was coming on a bit thick... but otherwise a good, quick read.

Another great book for Ms. Chamberlain. Couldn't put it down and hated when I had to. This is a sit at the edge of your seat and chew your fingernails novel, very suspenseful. Love the authors story telling ability she has a way of wrapping you into this story and not letting you go until the end.

Couldn’t stop reading- stayed up late and reorganized day to finish this book!