Book Review: Where Secrets Find Solace by Kimberly Brown

 

Publisher: Recorded Books
Publication: December 16, 2025
Listening Length: 9 hours 4 minutes
Format: Audio
Content Warning

Also available in ebook and paperback

Publisher: Black Odyssey Media

This story explores some emotionally heavy themes, including past trauma and difficult family dynamics. While the book is ultimately about healing and reclaiming one’s voice, some moments may be tender or challenging for sensitive readers. Please take your time and care for yourself as you read.

About the book

After ten years behind bars, a woman walks free—but freedom comes with its own sentence in this bold and unsparing novel by national bestselling author Kimberly Brown.

After serving a ten-year sentence for killing her mother’s boyfriend, Alayah Chambers is finally free—but freedom comes at a cost. Haunted by the abuse that landed her in prison and judged by a society that still sees her as a criminal, Alayah must piece together a new life in a world that isn’t quick to forgive. Determined to reclaim her future, she sets out to confront the ghosts of her past—including the woman who failed her the most: her own mother.

Killian Lake, a successful attorney and Alayah’s childhood friend, never forgot her—or the signs he missed back then. When a colleague offers him the chance to help overturn her conviction, he doesn’t hesitate. Reunited after years apart, the chemistry between them simmers beneath the surface. And while Alayah keeps her heart guarded, Killian’s steady support begins to chip away at her defenses.

As buried secrets emerge and old wounds resurface, Alayah must choose: will she let her past define her future, or embrace the love and justice she’s always deserved? With Killian by her side, healing is within reach—but only if she’s willing to claim it.

Review

Where Secrets Find Solace is women’s fiction with a touch of sensual romance—but make no mistake, this story runs deep. Please note: there are multiple trigger warnings. 

This is a powerful, emotionally charged novel centered on childhood trauma, survival, healing, reclaiming your voice, self-love, and the possibility of true love after unimaginable pain.

This book took me on a full emotional journey—anger, heartbreak, hope, relief… all of it. Kimberly Brown doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, and because of that, the story feels raw, real, and deeply moving.

I was especially moved by Killian Lake. His unwavering presence and refusal to see Alayah as her worst mistake spoke volumes. He never forgot her, never judged her for what happened, and never treated her like she was disposable. His love was patient, steady, and protective in all the right ways. He’s a good man, Savannah. And those who watched Waiting to Exhale will absolutely get that reference.

Now let’s talk about Kennedy… because whew. She was cruel, abusive, and completely undeserving of motherhood. The trauma she inflicted on her daughters was infuriating and heartbreaking to witness.

And yet, through all that pain, Kimberly Brown gives Alayah something so many survivors never get: her voice. There are so many Alayahs in the world—women living in silence, carrying wounds no one sees. This story shines a light on them.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators absolutely took this book to another level. Their performances added depth, emotion, and intensity that made the story even more impactful.

⭐ Rating: 4.5 stars

The only reason it’s not a full 5 is because the bonus scene was omitted from the audio version—but even so, this book still earns Yolanda’s Literary Haven Stamp of Approval without hesitation.

If you love emotionally rich women’s fiction that doesn’t flinch, this is a must-read.

***I received an ARC of the audiobook in exchanged for an honest review.***