IF YOU ONLY KNEW was a fascinating look at a young woman who has a life with a big secret. When Elizabeth was in college, she accepted a ride from a stranger, and that one wrong choice changed her whole life. The stranger ended up drugging her and raping her, and Elizabeth escapes with her life, but leaves behind a dead man. When she discovers that she is preganant, she flees to the U.S. to have the baby and put here up for adoption. Then, she goes back to the UK and pursues her law degree, attempting to get her life back on track and hiding the secret that is consuming her. Elizabeth is a very sympathetic character; the reader can imagine what happened to her could happen to anyone and is drawn into the story as she makes one decision after another that affects her future and that of her family. She is an excellent attorney who looks for ways to help others who cannot afford an attorney, with the thought always in her mind that she killed a man. The plot is intricate with a lot of characters interacting with Elizabeth who have something to do with her past . My least favorite character was her neighbor Ellen who is needy and whining and judgmental. Aside from Elizabeth, I loved the character of Maya, Ellen’s adopted daughter who is seeking her birth mother and who is a typical teen who is extremely bright. The reader will not be disappointed by this suspenseful tale of a secret that changes lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”