Swallowed by a Secret, Risa Nyman's debut novel, is a moving story about a young boy who moves to a new town after his father dies. Max soon forms a bond with Olive and together they go on an adventure to solve a dark secret. The relationship between Max and Olive is touching and heartwarming, and the suspenseful plot will keep readers engaged until the very end.

*2020 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Silver for Pre-Teen-Mature Issues.

Author # Risa Nyman was a delight to read. # Swallowed By A Secret is her first novel for me. But, far from the last. If you have a pre-teen at home this would be a wonderful read.
Description:
12 year-old Rocky's father dies suddenly and he learns the story he has been told is a lie. Immediately after the funeral, his mother sticks the For-Sale sign in the lawn. He is determined to crack the secret how his father died....
Thank you for the advance copy,
#Netgalley, # Risa Nyman, and #BooksGoSocial

Oh my goodness... what a fantastic book!
My 12 year old is always looking for books that make her "feel something" and Swallowed by a Secret sure did.
It deals with the subject of parental suicide, but somehow finds a way to add just enough comedic relief to keep it from being unbearably heavy. My daughter and I used it for a buddy read, and I highly suggest to take that route, as there are many moments that will lend themselves to a good adult/child conversation.
Overall I found the story very well written, wholesome, emotional and much deeper than one would think a story with an 11 year old protagonist would be! Speaking of 11 year olds... I think the story is spot on in content as well as language use for your average middle grade reader, but even I as an adult thoroughly enjoyed it!
Very well done overall. I have heard rumors of a sequel, and personally, I cannot wait to visit with Rocky again!

This book is a children’s book but deals with big topics. I thought it was written perfectly for the age group.

Rocky has just moved to a new town and school following his father’s death. He has not accepted his mother explanation for his dad’s death. Then, a voice comes to him (literally) and encourages him to investigate more into the death. With a new friend from school by his side, he sets out to discover the truth.

Good read on a hard topic!!

This book is about a 12-year-old boy named Rocky whose father just died, and Mom immediately moves him to another town. Rocky couldn't understand why his daddy died, why they moved so suddenly, and why he hears a voice. I thoroughly enjoy this young adult book. The Cover had me intrigued and made me want to read it. And I'm glad I did. This is the first time reading the author, but it will not be my last. I really enjoyed the adventure with Rocky. I recommend this to young adults. I give it five stars.

The narrative style on the book is targetted at younger audiences but not in a patronizing way. Given the weight that it shoulders, it cannot be light. The story follows Rocky (as he prefers being called) who is not satisfied with his mother's explanation for his father's death. This is prompted in part by something he overhears (which is very realistic). Soon one change precipitates another, and he is dissatisfied with life in general till something has him strategizing differently. He has some help which, as an adult, does not seem like positive reinforcement to me.
It is a short book, with some heartfelt moments, but I wanted more substance at points and did not buy the way things ended with regards to the 'secret' introduced, but that is a completely personal quirk. The writing flows and it is a book one can read in one sitting.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Suicide of anyone is heartbreaking and always hard to deal with but suicide of a parent is unfathomable for a child. Does a parent tell their child the truth, a partial truth or make up another story to keep the truth from them. That is the dilemma in this book.

I think the author did a good job in writing about how Rocky learns there might have been a different truth as to why his father died and how he and Olive worked to uncover the mystery of his father's death. I think Olive was the star of the book and propelled the story forward.

The subject matter is difficult and tissues are required but overall I enjoyed this book and will read this author again.

Great story and characters. Very emotional, had me in tears several times. Thsnks to Netgalley for the chance to read this book

12 year old Rocky and his new friend Olive search for the real cause of his father’s death, aided by the voice of his dad giving him wise counsel.
Poignant and affecting, the story deals with mental illness, grief, bullying and honesty, raising questions about parental protectiveness and the stigma of depression. Thoroughly engaging.

A heart-touching story with a number of important messages.

‘Swallowed by a Secret’ tells the story of Rocky, a seventh-grader, who refuses to believe the story he has been told about his father’s death. His mom put their house on sale and hurriedly moved to another town, which only added to his suspicion. Unhappy with his mom’s firm decisions, Rocky finds himself with an urge to dig out the truth. With the support from his new friend and the constant advice from his deceased father, he launches himself on a mission of discovering the secret.

The story takes the reader on a poignant journey along with the protagonist. With the beautiful display of parental love, the unexpected outcome, and the heart-warming messages, this easy-flowing book can keep anyone hooked till the end.

I appreciate how the author added traces of humor throughout the book despite the fact that it deals with an emotional topic. Besides, the warm display of the forgiving nature of Rocky and Olive has the potential to inspire kids to adopt the quality, and not to be too quick to judge anyone. The chapters are short, and despite the overall simplicity, I would not deny that I was in tears by the end.

The book has been narrated in a very simple language which makes it quite easy to read. Although many readers might not prefer such a style of narration, it would be suitable for younger ones.

A good pick for both middle-graders and older readers.

Rocky gets the news that his dad has died. His mom tells him that his dad’s heart stopped. He overhears his mom talking to a friend saying what if he finds out about his dad’s death? Rocky can’t believe it. Rocky’s mom tells him that they are moving. Rocky protests. They move into his grandfather’s home in another town. Rocky goes to his new school and makes a friend. He suddenly hears hid dad’s voice in his head. He tells his friend about his suspicions about his dad’s death. He becomes frustrated as he is not successful in his projects to find out what is the truth of his dad’s death. Will Rocky be able to find out the truth?

The author has written an intriguing mystery about a parents death while at the same time showing how those left behind deal with it. The description of the characters were written so well that I felt as if I knew them. The story is not depressing but it is sad. I admired Rocky’s determination to know the truth of his dad’s death. This story is also about communication and truth between family members. It is an excellent novel to read.

Rocky and his mom have moved to a new town, after the death if his father. Rocky isn't satisfied with the answers to the questions about how his dad died. In his new school he meets Olive. She becomes a special friend. She understands his desire to uncover the mystery surrounding his dad.
A wonderful story of questions and answers and love. Especially it is a story of facing the difficulty of losing a parent due to mental health issues.

It is more of a childrens fiction book. A great tale of growing. I did enjoy the story line and was well written.not usually my genre but glad I picked it up.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of the book.