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1 SHAWN AND BEL LE

Although he'd been halfway around the world, Shawn Douglas Brady had never seen a fleet of ships like this one. While the blue-and-green-striped sails of his 45-foot Nicholson were usually impressive, he felt like a moth in the midst of monarch butterflies. But then, he was in Monte Carlo, the playground of the rich and famous.

Surrounded by Italy and France, it had the smallest, most exciting beachfront in the world at only 3.5 miles. Occupying only 1 square mile of land, the principality was considered the gem of the Riviera, if not the world.

Monte Carlo? Were they really there? It had been over a year since he and his wife had left Salem—on the yacht the Fancy Face IV, bought for them by Belle's magnanimous father, John Black—for their adventure. Shawn, the handsome but oft-troubled son of two of Salem's finest, had married the blonde spitfire Belle and then had an adorable daughter, Claire. But Belle had often fallen through the cracks in their social circle, which was dominated by her manipulative and malevolent half sister, Sami. So she was thrilled to take to the high seas. They needed an escape, and John knew that seeing the world from this vantage point would give his daughter and son-in-law a new perspective.

"Belle, get up here!" Shawn shouted excitedly. "You and Claire have to see this!"

A curly-haired moppet popped out from the galley.

"Mommy's in the head, Da'!" Claire squealed.

"Then you get up here, now!"

Shawn grabbed his daughter and hoisted the little girl onto the beautifully defined shoulders that topped his sinewy, tanned body. Claire giggled and pointed at the mass of sailboats, cruisers, and yachts that filled the harbor. "Wow." Claire giggled. "Even bigger than in Crete! Those sure aren't ‘stinkpots.'"

Belle made her way up from below. Though a bit wobbly, when she looked around her, she was totally overwhelmed.

"Unbelievable." She gasped.

"Both the scene and our daughter. For a three-year-old, she's a well-traveled little girl."

"Not little, Da. And I'm four—almost!"

Belle, looking a lovely shade of chartreuse, stroked her daughter's hair.

"How you feeling?" Shawn asked carefully.

She smiled wanly. "As good as I look?"

Uh-oh, Shawn thought.

"But—damned excited to be here."

Shawn knew why. One of those yachts would later be holding a lavish sweet-sixteen party for Dalita Kasagian, the daughter of überrich Serge Kasagian, and Belle's fashion idol was going to be there.

"Olivia Marini Gaines," he stated emphatically. "OMG."

With that, Belle puked all over the deck of the yacht.

While I do not regularly watch the daytime drama "Days of our Lives," I am a fan of the series, which has introduced some of the most unforgettable characters in soap opera history, including Tom, Alice and Maggie Horton, Doug and Julie Williams and, of course, Dr. Marlena Evans and John Black, who both appear in the novel "A Secret in Salem," by former "Days of our Lives" writer Sheri Anderson. However, the events in the novel do not take place in Salem, but in many locations across Europe, including England, Switzerland, France and Monaco, where several former residents of Salem currently reside. In addition, several travelers/vacationers from the fabled town, including Shawn, Belle and Claire Brady, pass through on their journey around the world. The setting makes sense because several of the characters featured in the novel are not currently appearing on the daytime drama, including Jack and Jennifer Deveraux, Shane Donovan and the aforementioned John and Marlena.

"A Secret in Salem" is literally eye candy for fans of "Days of our Lives." The novel features elements of the exciting action-adventure stories that "Days" has constructed so well over the years. As usual, John and Marlena become a big part of the action, as the story moves along, and they join Shawn and Belle in their latest adventure. There are several new characters introduced as well, and several of them are part of the wealthy and well-known Gaines family, led by Ritchie and his wife Olivia. The Gaines family is rounded out by their three children, sons Jackson and Chance, and daughter Charley. In fact, the Gaines family takes center stage throughout the novel, as Olivia is murdered, while Ritchie faces serious criminal charges, not related to the murder. It is then up to their adult children to put everything back together, with the help of some of Salem’s finest. Of course, there are surprises and life changing revelations along the way and long time fans will no doubt suspect the person behind some of the uncovered secrets.

Soap fans, in general, will likely enjoy and appreciate Sheri Anderson’s "A Secret in Salem," which features a good deal of romance, along with the usual action and adventure themes that surround the well-known and beloved characters. In addition, the new characters are well written and are easily integrated into the lives of the current and former residents of Salem. Furthermore, the beautiful European backdrop compliments the various storylines, some of which may take readers off guard, but in a good way. I was impressed with Anderson’s descriptions of the various European locales, as well as her contemporary writing, which is highlighted by the understanding of technology, current trends and the continuing fascination with celebrities.

"A Secret in Salem" is the perfect book to take along during your summer vacation, as you can escape to another world, while encountering memorable characters along the way. Readers who are not familiar with the "Days of our Lives" alumni, but enjoy romance, action and adventure, will likely enjoy this interesting and well-written novel, too.

This book includes characters from the soap opera "Days of our Lives", of which I am a longtime fan. I think that it would be a decent read on its own, but a much better read if the reader knew the characters from the show. Marlena and John have left Salem and are dealing with his paralysis. Shawn and Belle are sailing around the world. Jack, Jennifer and Abby are keeping the newspaper business in the family. All of that made me want to go back to watching the soap opera on a daily basis. There are new characters that are important in the book and these new characters are interesting enough to hook the Days fans—Charley, Jackson and Chance could fit in seamlessly with the Salemites. Decent mystery and romance, this was a fun read.

Back in the day, I watched Days of Our Lives religiously. I fell in love with the characters of Luke and Laura, Bo and Hope, Patch and Kayla and more. Then I got a full-time job and bye bye to my soaps! But when I was given the chance to read A Secret in Salem, I jumped at it!

I was not disappointed. Some of my favorite characters brought right back before my eyes. Marlena and John play a big part in this first book of a new trilogy. John is paralyzed and it really wreaking havoc on their marriage. They try to find a cure, but as it so often does, the truth will set you free or closer together. Rich drama with a compelling storyline - you won’t be disappointed.

Then there is the story of Charlotte Gaines, a hot fashion designer and daughter of a rich man. When she finds out a something about her family that’s been hidden from her, she delves deeper. Her investigations lead her to the heart of Salem.

This book is almost like watching the show right before your eyes. It’s titillating, with a riveting plot and complex yet passionate characters. Sheri Anderson used to be a head writer for Days and you can certainly tell. She doesn’t let anything slip through her fingers. I’m really looking forward to the next two installments in this series; A Stirring in Salem due for release in February 2011 and A Scandal in Salem scheduled for release in May 2011.



Sheri Anderson knows her way around Salem and this book is sure to delight any fans in your life.



One of daytime soap operas most memorable couples, John and Marlena must face a new obstacle together. It will test both of John and Marlena’s faith and love. John is dying from something mysterious. Marlena has gone to see some of the best doctors around. Marlena goes to see Dr. Blake Masters. Dr. Master’s is John’s last hope.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Gaines is the daughter of Richard Gaines of Financial Gaines Group, LLC. After Charlotte loses both her parents, Charlotte learns a shocking truth that will change her life forever.

For a very brief time I did watch daytime soap operas. There were only two that I got into…one of them was Days of our Lives. While I like knowing that I am never that far away from helping myself to an extra serving of all my favorite characters, reading about them just was not the same as watching them on television. I found John and Marlena’s story to be more interesting than what was happening with Shawn, Belle, and Charlotte. Though, I did like the twist on how all the story lines intertwined with each other. This is what I like about Days of Our Lives…the nice story lines. I may revisit Salem again someday.

You get some closure to a few of the stories that were left hanging a few years ago on Days of Our Lives and some new ones are opened up which will hopefully be explored further in the next two books in the Trilogy; A Stirring in Salem due for release in February 2011 and A Scandal in Salem scheduled for release in May 2011.



Each of the characters is well-defined and smartly tied to a past that readers will enjoy whether they have seen the on-air show or not...For the fans of “Days of Our Lives” who have missed the high romance and glamour of the 1980s and 1990s stories told so well on-air – you will enjoy this face paced and descriptive novel- while also recognizing the caring treatment that can only come from someone as unique and talented as the former head writer and creative consultant for many years for the on-air program.