One Secret, Two Lives
Women's Fiction / Family Life / Religious
Date Published: April 21st, 2026
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
Stephanie grew up cherished yet haunted by questions no one would answer. Carmine’s life, in contrast, was marked by tumult, loss, and an unrelenting search for belonging. They lived as strangers, unaware of each other’s existence—until fate, and a single phone call brought the truth crashing in. Their discovery binds them in an instant—and alters everything.
What the Heart Carries traces their breathtaking discovery and the devastating tragedy that followed. At nce a story of grief and of redemption, it asks: How do we begin to heal when everything we know is torn apart?
Spanning from Brooklyn’s tight-knit neighborhoods to the sun-soaked streets of Florida, this is a powerful novel of family secrets, faith, and the unbreakable ties of blood. Inspired by true events, it is a story that will linger in your heart long after the final page.
What is the hardest
part of writing your book?
Writing from the
space where real life and imagination meet required a great deal of honesty and
tenderness. I had to revisit moments I had tucked away for years.
The hardest part was
honoring my brother and my family while still allowing the story to breathe as
its own work of fiction. I wanted the truth of our connection — and the ache of
our separation — to be felt without overwhelming the narrative.
What are your most played songs?
Anything by Sade,
Melissa Etheridge and Frank Sinatra.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I do not have any at
this time.
What book are you reading now?
The Correspondent by
Virginia Evans.
How did you start your writing career?
I loved creative
writing from the time I was a young girl — especially poetry. But this is the
first novel I’ve ever carried all the way to completion.
Tell us about your next release.
Right now, I’m giving myself space to breathe and truly take in the fact that this long‑awaited project is finally out in the world. It’s been such an emotional journey, and I want to honor that before diving into what comes next.
What I’m most excited
about is connecting with readers — those who have already embraced the story
and those I’ll meet at book fairs, festivals, and future events. Sharing this
book face‑to‑face,
hearing what resonated with people, and building a community around the story
feels like the natural next step in this creative journey.
About the Author
Susan Appel is the author of What the Heart Carries: One Secret, Two Lives, a debut novel inspired by her own family’s story of loss, faith, and restoration. She writes with honesty and heart, exploring themes of identity, grief, and the enduring bonds of family. Susan believes deeply in the power of words to heal, to connect, and to remind us that even in life’s darkest seasons, hope can be found. She cherishes quiet moments and laughter-filled days at the Jersey Shore with her husband and two children. Susan finds joy in simple traditions, lasting friendships, and the spiritual journey that continues to guide her steps.
Facebook: Susan Appel – Author
Instagram: @susanappel.author
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