08 April 2022

If you have ever wondered what secrets are hiding in your family closet, then reading Search No Further will convince you to rather not ask too many questions. Search No Further digs deep into the consequences of family lies and secrets. The author looks at the dynamics in a close-knit family who not only work together but who live within walking distance of one another. She adds some secrets and then slowly reveals them to the characters and the reader, producing an entertaining, twisty read that leaves you intrigued by this fascinating family.

As a first-time reader of AJ Campbell’s books, you can expect a relaxed writing style. She focuses the story around one main character and shows her relationships with the various family members unravel as she uncovers the family secrets one by one. The story leaves you amazed at how much can be hiding behind the appearance of a perfect, happy family.

Sienna adores her grandmother, if anything, Cara has been like a mother to her. Cara is a successful, dynamic woman who is adored by the members of her community. When Cara collapses at Sienna’s daughter’s birthday party, Sienna’s foundation is rocked. As a young widowed single mom, Sienna depends on Cara. Since the death of her husband, Cara has held Sienna together – guiding her from day today.

Seeing Cara frail and helpless in the hospital leaves Sienna shaken. But when Cara briefly wakes up, she makes a few confusing statements. Leaving Sienna desperate to find her own strength to uncover the truth about the people in her world. Yet nothing could have prepared her for the secrets and lies she is about to uncover.

This book leaves you questioning if it’s ever okay to keep things from your family. As one secret unearthed leads to the discovery of another and another you quickly come to realise that eventually, even the smallest lie can lead to disastrous consequences. I could not imagine being a part of the De Rosa family. These people are a pretty shocking bunch. You must love how far the author took the family secrets. Every time you think it cannot get any worse, the author delivers a whopper you did not expect.

The story is told from Sienna’s perspective and focuses on her relationships with the various family members. However, Cara is the woman of importance. Cara De Rosa is a strong, successful woman who holds her family together. Everything is about Cara.  Sienna develops from a guilt-ridden, fragile character into a young woman strong enough to take on everyone in her search for the truth. You see how this young woman draws strength from her love and loyalty to Cara to reveal secrets from the past. If only she knew what was awaiting her, she might have left things alone. This poor woman’s foundations are not only rocked in this story, they are completely blown away. You must sympathise with her, what a family?

I was quickly intrigued by this story and the characters. While this might not be an edge of your seat read, I loved the relaxed, easy way the story unfolded.

If ever you think you were born into a strange, messy family – I recommend you read this book. The De Rosa family is guaranteed to leave you appreciating the members of your family.

This is a book you will quickly find yourself intrigued by. Add it to your TBR, it’s sure to leave you amazed at all the secrets that come tumbling out of the De Rosa family cupboard.