There's a general rule in literature and film that sequels never live up to the original. This is especially true of the second part of trilogies (or series of higher numbers). For some reason, part two typically acts as nothing more than a bridge between parts one and three, not enough plot development to really stand on its own. And while this is a general rule for a reason, this book manages to break that rule. If needed, this book could easily stand on its own. Events from the first novel are glossed over so that new readers aren't lost, and all of the secrets and conflicts are completely new, so returning readers aren't seeing the same story all over again.

The theme of this novel is very much “secrets,” hence the title. The drama and the conflict are definitely upped from the first book, and this is, in part, because of all the secrets the characters are keeping from one another. It's a change from the first novel where, as a reader, you are just getting to know all of the characters. This time, you delve further into their personalities, find out even more about what makes them tick. Of course, the upping of the drama is also due to the characters trying to grow up. The subject matter is a little more mature than the first novel, but it's easy to see why. Amongst the end of high school are a series of break-ups, heartbreaks, and make-ups. The book provides an incredibly relate-able view of three teenage girls as they take their first steps toward leaving home and moving on.