Book Review: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Excerpt: Just like that. No further explanation. No other comment. After fifteen years of avoiding anything that referenced our mother and the place where she'd died, our father was suddenly plunging us back into the nightmare. House of Secrets, pg 27.

Back Cover: They vowed, as children, to be silent...

When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.

Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago...of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. One sister believes their silence must end and the truth be revealed. But they soon come to wonder if they can trust their memories.

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes a strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to healing...or will she risk losing the chance to embrace love?

My Review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I agreed to read and review House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson. While I've read many of Tracie's historical fiction novels, I was sure what a contemporary novel would be like. I was not disappointed. Tracie brings to life a very confused young woman, trying to deal with the secrets of the past and move on with her life. However, the further that she digs into the family secrets, the worse those secrets become. Can she ever learn to trust and love? This novel deals with some difficult subjects, including mental health. Tracie did a great job with this novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.