Not sure if my rating is completely fair because I couldn't finish the book. I was looking for historical fiction, not historical romance, which is what I would classify this. I read the first 250 pages looking for a bit of history, but there was virtually none. I wasn't interested in reading 700 pages of romance. ( )

This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I would classify it more as literature (rather than novel), given the historical events the author writes describes so well. Petkin has woven a story that captures the reader and won’t let go until you reach the last page. While longer than most books I read, I found myself eager to get back to the story every evening when work was done. You will travel from the early 20th century on a journey that spans one-hundred years to 21st century 2012. The family story takes place in both England and Spain, during two world wars and the Spanish Civil War, capturing the horror and heartbreak of those conflicts. Petkin has written a book that I will revisit again and again and won’t soon forget. I will tell everyone I know who, like me, loves well-written historical fiction. A fabulous story written from the heart. ( )

I both enjoyed and struggled with this book.
The author sent me on a journey that I found quite harrowing. I like it when I can really ‘feel’ a book, and this one certainly delivered on that. I generally don’t read books that are this emotionally heavy, but the desire to know what happened next keep me reading despite the negative feelings it caused.
The part of the story set in Spain was interesting as I don’t know much about Spain’s past. I’ve always found learning about history easier when it’s a part of a novel!
On the downside, I was confused when I began reading as the setting was obviously historical, but the language/speech used by the characters was modern. Once my mind accepted this, it was no longer an issue.
If you like a historical saga that leaves you emotionally exhausted, but satisfied at the end, this book is for you. ( )

If I could give this emotionally charged, extraordinarily well-written book ten stars, I would. Although The Guardian of Secrets is over six hundred pages, I devoured it in just a few sittings. This book captured my interest from the very first page. I couldn't even stop reading The Guardian of Secrets while attending an outdoor play. "Seriously?" I heard my husband say while he glanced at my iPhone. The book is unputdownable. You’re going to love it.

The story begins in Kent, England with Celia Merrill Dobbs, a beautiful married woman who is depressed and alone on her family’s farm. Her loneliness though turns into terror when her husband, Joseph Dobbs begins to show his true colors. Celia flees to Spain with her newborn son. Her husband is a sociopath, vile and evil to the core. You’re going to detest him, but you’ll love Celia.

While in Spain, Ernesto Martinez takes Celia under his wing. Celia falls deeply in love with Ernesto and is ecstatically happy until the Spanish Civil War breaks out.

Jan Petken’s writing is so realistic and painted with so many authentic details that I felt as if I was in the war, fleeing bullets, caring for the wounded and crying over the dead. This compelling book alternates between England and Spain with many intricately woven subplots that add depth and intrigue.

It’s a story about the power of love, the agony of betrayal, and the tragedies of war. I will not give any more details away. I will only say that The Guardian of Secrets will send you on an emotional roller coaster. Get ready to read a quality book with well-drawn characters, meticulously written plots, and prose that just flows until you no longer read the words, but live them. This is the first book I have read by this talented writer, but it will not be my last.

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover ( )

Reading The Guardian of Secrets was a journey, which left me feeling emotionally drained. The story of this family gives new meaning to the Family Saga genre. The family at war was told in a fantastic way, where fact and fiction met with great results. I loved this book. It was superbly written. This is an author who will go a long way.[ai:Jana Petken|7271860|Jana Petken|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1383854591p2/7271860.jpg] ( )