Helpful Score: 4
If you're looking for a fluffy, quick read, this isn't it. House of Secrets digs into the effects of mental illness on the entire family. The story is emotionally gripping, as the girls discover which memories they've carried in secret for years are true, which contain a grain of truth, and which are completely false. In the midst of sorting through the family secrets, Bailee resists building a relationship with her boss, while yearning to have a confidant at the same time. The story also briefly touches on the church's and Christians' reactions to those with mental illness. Despite the difficult subject, I'm glad I read this book.
With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of the best books by Tracie Peterson that I have read. Peterson never disppoints her readers. I thought this book was not normal Peterson writtine but it was one of those "I can't put it down books".
Helpful Score: 3
I'm having the hardest time putting into words how great this book was. To be totally honest, I wasn't sure what to expect after looking at the front cover and being less than impressed. However, Tracie Peterson has always written excellent contemporary novels, and I should've never doubted that this novel would be equally as good.
This was the second time this year that I've read a Christian book that dealt with mental illness. The family in House of Secrets has lived their lives based on years and years of secrets that were all rooted in the mother's illness of paranoid schizophrenia. And truly, no one felt the weight of those secrets more than Bailee, the main character. To be told as a child that you're responsible for your two sisters, and then on the flip side, to be told that it's your fault if anything happens to them was heartbreaking to read. As a result, Bailee's childhood was so far from normal, it wasn't even funny.
The emotions were all over the place, too. Fear, hurt, regret, and anger were all portrayed so realistically that I felt like I was part of the story. Mind you, I've got enough drama in my own life that I don't need to borrow these folks', but I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if faced with a situation like this. Would I be like the church members whose reacted with disdain and judgment, or would I be more like Mark--unafraid to step in to be a rock for Bailee in her time of need?
Trying to describe this book has been so hard to do. That's why I said in the beginning that I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book. I can't wrap up years of lies, secrets, and omissions in a nice box with a pretty little bow through a review. It's impossible. So, I'll close by saying if you're a fan of Tracie Peterson's contemporary novels, get your hands on this book. It will challenge your thinking through some difficult subjects that will make you wonder how you might respond if faced with the same situations. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
This was the second time this year that I've read a Christian book that dealt with mental illness. The family in House of Secrets has lived their lives based on years and years of secrets that were all rooted in the mother's illness of paranoid schizophrenia. And truly, no one felt the weight of those secrets more than Bailee, the main character. To be told as a child that you're responsible for your two sisters, and then on the flip side, to be told that it's your fault if anything happens to them was heartbreaking to read. As a result, Bailee's childhood was so far from normal, it wasn't even funny.
The emotions were all over the place, too. Fear, hurt, regret, and anger were all portrayed so realistically that I felt like I was part of the story. Mind you, I've got enough drama in my own life that I don't need to borrow these folks', but I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if faced with a situation like this. Would I be like the church members whose reacted with disdain and judgment, or would I be more like Mark--unafraid to step in to be a rock for Bailee in her time of need?
Trying to describe this book has been so hard to do. That's why I said in the beginning that I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book. I can't wrap up years of lies, secrets, and omissions in a nice box with a pretty little bow through a review. It's impossible. So, I'll close by saying if you're a fan of Tracie Peterson's contemporary novels, get your hands on this book. It will challenge your thinking through some difficult subjects that will make you wonder how you might respond if faced with the same situations. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
Helpful Score: 1
Take three sisters trying to make sense of the limited memories of their childhood and a father who just wants to forget what is in the past, and you have the makings for a great cast of characters in House of Secrets. This story captured my attention from the very first page and held it throughout the entire book. As these three sisters begin to explore the uncharted territory of their childhood, it is apparent that a lot of damage has been done by ignoring what happened and pretending that everything is okay. This book has much to say about family dynamics and reveals that children suffer more from instability in their lives than adults realize. This is a story of hurt, healing and great promise. The twists and turns keep you guessing but the book ends in a very satisfying and uplifting way. The storyline was great, the characters believableeverything needed for a good novel with a positive message.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
While this was a good read, I'm not sure it's as deep as I would expect a book on this topic to be. Also, I felt the foreshadowing was a bit too revealing - making the book predictable. While there was much to uncover in this book, I don't think I was ever totally surprised when the cover was finally lifted on something that had been a "secret". I didn't feel let down by the reveals, but I wasn't truly surprised, either.
All that said, though, I did enjoy the book. While the main character was a 20-something year old, she was very relatable to readers of a variety of ages. While the book often referenced the childhood of the main character, it never had a "dated" quality about it. The book has a timeless quality because of that, I believe.
While my first paragraph here is critical, I WAS drawn into this story and wanted to get back to it when I had to put it down. The book dealt with dark issues, but was never graphic, nor did it ever sink into a morbid fascination with the "secrets" it held.
Also...because I think the title could make one wonder...the "secrets" it contains have nothing to do with issues of a sexual nature. Just felt like that was worth mentioning in case anyone, like myself, might wonder given the title.
I recommend this book for anyone (from teens through adults) who likes feel-good women's fiction with just a dose of mystery and serious food for thought.
All that said, though, I did enjoy the book. While the main character was a 20-something year old, she was very relatable to readers of a variety of ages. While the book often referenced the childhood of the main character, it never had a "dated" quality about it. The book has a timeless quality because of that, I believe.
While my first paragraph here is critical, I WAS drawn into this story and wanted to get back to it when I had to put it down. The book dealt with dark issues, but was never graphic, nor did it ever sink into a morbid fascination with the "secrets" it held.
Also...because I think the title could make one wonder...the "secrets" it contains have nothing to do with issues of a sexual nature. Just felt like that was worth mentioning in case anyone, like myself, might wonder given the title.
I recommend this book for anyone (from teens through adults) who likes feel-good women's fiction with just a dose of mystery and serious food for thought.
Excellent
