The Secret Women

A Novel

By: Sheila Williams

Narrated by: Zakiya Young

The author of Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, now a Netflix film starring Alfre Woodard, returns with a riveting, emotionally rich, novel that explores the complex relationship between mothers and daughters in a fresh, vibrant way—a stunning page-turner for fans of Terry McMillan, Tayari Jones, and Kimberla Lawson Roby.

Elise Armstrong, Carmen Bradshaw, and DeeDee Davis meet in a yoga class. Though vastly different, these women discover they all have one thing in common: their mothers have recently passed away. Becoming fast friends, the trio make a pact to help each other sort through the belongings their mothers’ left behind. But when they find old letters and diaries, Elise, Carmen, and DeeDee are astonished to learn that each of their mothers hid secrets—secrets that will transform their own lives.

Meeting each month over margaritas, the trio share laughter, advice, and support. As they help each other overcome challenges and celebrate successes, Elise, Carmen, and DeeDee gain not only a better understanding of the women their mothers were, but of themselves. They also come to realize they have what their mothers needed most but did not have during difficult times—other women they could trust.

Filled with poignant life lessons, The Secret Women pays tribute to the power of friendship and family and the bonds that tie us together. Beautiful, full of spirit and heart, it is a thoughtful and ultimately uplifting story of unconditional love.

ok story/horrible narration

The story wasn't bad but the narration was not. Also found it hard to believe the characters are Black. I have never heard a Black mother call her children "Satan's sperm". The dialog was also unreal at times.

Horrible narration

The narrator was horrible. I couldn’t finish the audible book, had to read it myself. Very hard to believe that these were black women.

Amazing and healing.

I can identify with each of the main characters in this story. I love the way they came together and then helped each other through painful revelations and unwanted truths.
Each character embodies part of my own story; struggles with a parent, feeling overwhelmed with an active teenager, and finding out I was adopted late in my life.
Thank you Sheila Williams for your insightful storytelling and Zakiya Young for your brilliant performance. I needed this book. May God continue to bless you both.

It’s just ok

So it’s a mindless book that’s somewhat entertaining without a lot of substance. However coming to grip with family relationships is important this book just touches on it.. nothing deep.

Fantabulous Read

I lost my mother three & a half months ago. And until I read this book, I thought my grief was odd.
I laughed, cried, reminiscences over each woman’s story. Although fictional it rang with some truth in many people’s lives!