I’m going to try to come near stringing the adequate words together that describe how much I loved this book. I’ll cut to the chase and say it was so good, I didn’t want it to end. Temple Secrets is the kind of well crafted book that, once closed, causes you to wonder what to do next with your life. Author Susan Gabriel created a story chock-full of Southern characters and never once condescended to anything campy, rather, she infused every character with soul as they walked the wire of a story so unique as to be plausible, of character nuance so defined, you understood the underlying motivation behind every thought and deed in this electrifyingly unusual gem of common history experienced individually by players so intertwined, their lives are domino effects wrought from the hands of each other. And oh, the tone of this book: it is bluntly in your face without being offensive. Susan Gabriel writes in a direct, brass tacks voice that is howlingly funny, for all its taboo subjects, and I relished every line. The premise of Temple Secrets is this: In blue-blooded, aristocratic Savannah, where the mansions are gothic and imposing as they retain the character of days gone by, supercilious eccentric, Iris Temple, is on her last leg. For decades, she has ruled the roost of everything and everyone around her. She is one of Savannah’s inflexible old guard and proud of it to the point that she wields her power position in society like a sword. Hers is a personality so full of controlling disdain that she is feared not only by her family and staff, but by the denizens of Savannah, whose tether she keeps tight by her family’s book of secrets, which details intimate, damaging facts best not publically revealed. Iris is estranged from her full-grown daughter, looks down on her mulatto half-sister, who lives with her, and is catered to beyond reason by a handful of staff, who prefer not to stir the waters of Iris’ own self-image. It is a dynamic changer, when Iris is incapacitated by a stroke, and suffice it to say the ghosts of her past come out to haunt, literally and figuratively, which wouldn’t happen in most places, but it can and does in Savannah. In chapters detailing the individual character’s connection to Iris, the story morphs into an incestuous web you didn’t see coming. And at the heart of this story is the Temple Book of Secrets; someone has taken it upon themselves to publish part of its content, but the mystery is nobody knows who or why. It’s hard to write more at this point, without needing a spoiler alert, and I don’t want to deprive the reader of the joy to be found in this bounding story, so I will summarize by saying this novel is so engaging, so thrilling and unique that I stand beside many clamoring for a sequel! ( )

This was a new author for me and I have another book by her I will read soon because I enjoyed her writing and story line. Of course the book is set in Savannah Georgia, so it's a given that I would get immersed in the talk of the marshes, beaches, and woods of the South in my minds eye. ( )

I do love good southern fiction... and this was right there at the top. I could not put it down...and when i did finish... i called my mother and told her it had to be the next book she read. there was not one character i didn't just love (even mean old Iris) with out going into much about the story... cuz you really need to read it yourself.... this has gone into my favorites list and will be curious when someone turns it into a movie!!! you could have a lot of fun casting this one!!! ( )

I enjoyed this story very much. I read a lot of books full of southern charm but this book was different. It had a new take as far as story goes but still full of southern life. I loved all the characters, even Iris had her moments. Funny, witty and just a good new story. ( )

I'll admit I love anything southern- that this was set in Savannah was a bonus! This book covers the old south traditions- good and bad. Secrets are coming to light, causing uproar in the community. When Iris Temple passes, family secrets come out- and that's not always a bad thing. You also get a taste of some Gullah traditions...just loved this. Hated to leave the characters ( )