Reviewed by Diane Carter for Readers' Favorite

Every family has a secret or two, but what if that secret could possibly destroy or humiliate the family?

Tom's sister, Diane, is a rising actress who falls in love with a well-known star of an American Western Show. Eight-year-old Tom is enthralled with the star and idolizes him, but Tom Bedford's life is about to torn apart by a revelation from his sister that will change his entire life forever!

Tom and his sister move to Hollywood, California, after she reveals her secret. Diane marries Ray Montane, and life seems to be perfect; but things go sour, and the harsh side of Hollywood becomes clear. Then an act of violence once again changes Tom and Diane's lives forever!

Fast forward many years. The secret from Tom's past has played havoc with his marriage and his son, a US Marine. When his son is charged with murder, it brings back all the memories Tom has tried to suppress for years! He has to face those demons all over again as he struggles to save his son's life and get his life back together again!

I was quickly caught up in the plot of The Brave. I found myself sitting in the car listening just a few more minutes before turning off the ignition. The voice of the reader was excellent and added much to the story. The plot was fascinating. This book is character driven. The author moves back and forth through time. Tom the adult speaks in a chapter, the next chapter goes back in time to Tommy the child. At first I found this a bit disconcerting but not for long.

This is my first book by Nicholas Evans, it won’t be my last.