From First Chapter to Forever Fan

by Angela Sanford

What is summer without a good - no great - book in hand while soaking up the sun?   Finding an author who captivates my attention can be a struggle as it is for many, as I well know from 30 years in education.  But, when the book “hits the spot” readers come alive through the text, whether its on the screen or in their hands - still my preferred medium. 

Nothing beats the sun shining above me, a cold drink by my side and a physical book that makes me forget that I have a To-Do list a mile long.  Even better is when I find an author whose writings I haven’t read yet that provides me with a new list of books to help me procrastinate.  

My life’s timeline could be marked by the authors I was reading.  Skipping my teen years and earlier, my first era, to parrot Taylor Swift, was my Stephen King era, followed closely by the John Grisham era. Then came the Franklin and Arthur era with very few novels for myself, but many short books for our three young boys every night.

Then I entered a period of “three”, rather than an author era.  First, I’d read a professional learning text to support my classroom practices, then an analytical fictional novel, and, finally, an easy romance and repeat.  That carried me through at least a decade and led me to the Nicholas Sparks era.  Following a Christmas gift from Ryan, I entered the Kristen Hannah era reading every one of their novels.

After exhausting their book lists, I took a brief hiatus from non-professional books until the spring of 2025.  At that time, I had a single novel on my nightstand and, admittedly, I was avoiding it because it didn't seem like a book I was going to thoroughly enjoy and when I eventually read it, I was correct.  So, while I ventured from school to school for work this past spring, I scoped out the books that students and teachers were enjoying to see if I could find something for me, not for work.

Overwhelmingly, I heard that the “Housemaid’s Secret” was worth the indulgence. Honestly, I usually avoid books being recommended by so many because I tend to analyze authors as I read and too often, I find that books (or films, shows, etc.) that are popular are not to my liking.  As a matter of fact, I’ve never indulged in Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones, or a few others that are prevalent in Book Clubs.

With nothing else at the ready, I ordered a copy of this novel by Freida McFadden and when it arrived, I decided to chance it immediately – leaving the single book on my nightstand for a few more weeks.  Was I ever annoyed when I finished “The Housemaid’s Secret,” though - annoyed that it was the second in a trilogy and I wishing I had read the set in proper order rather than starting with the second book, first.  Why would someone recommend reading book #2 first?

Yet

, the second book got me hooked, with the plot line and its twists, the author’s use of literary devices, and the fact that it was a psychological thriller! So, I ordered the first novel in the series and another title from her works.  I couldn't put either down once they arrived - two days I was able to avoid reality while turning the pages of her stories.

When I finished, I made a quick visit to the bookstore, so I would not have to wait for an order to arrive which allowed me to devour more of her works with instant gratification.  In all honesty, I’ve since read several other of her works – I’m definitely captivated, while the books satisfy my “Criminal Minds” bone.

I've come to learn that McFadden has a pattern in her writing, as many authors do, and often it is those patterned works that discourage me from continuing to explore the author’s work, but not with this her! Even though the unpredictable endings are becoming more predictable in her style, I am still eager to pick up each one and she what twist she has included.

However, the downward spiral to summer's end is upon me and I am spending a significant amount of time consuming her books, though I won’t complete her list before going back to the classroom, but I’m trying.  If you’re looking for a great read, grab one of McFadden’s books, or come borrow one of mine - just do not start with “The Housemaid’s Secret.”