Monday, October 17, 2011

A House of Secrets

GIVEAWAY!!!

PETERSON, TRACIE
A HOUSE OF SECRETS

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, Geena and Piper, 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. They vowed, as children, to be silent--but one sister believes the truth must now be revealed. Yet can they trust their memories?

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes the 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 heal the past and ultimately to embrace love?

My Review:

Emotionally riveting and powerful, this book consumed me. Peterson has created a believably flawed family struggling to overcome the secrets of their past. The Coopers are as dysfunctional as they get and each daughter is clearly a product of that dysfunction. Peterson's strength is in her detailed characterizations. The sisters, Bailee, Geena and Piper, in particular, had solid reasons for behaving the way they did and Peterson eases us beneath layers and layers of confusion, coping strategies and fear until we come to the startling heart of the matter.

Add in Mark Delahunt -- stalwart, dependable, patient and kind -- he's almost too good to be true, but exactly what Bailee needs during this tumultuous time. He provides an anchor of stability to the whole family in the midst of their crumbling secrets. And he's in love with Bailee. Has been for a long time. But her past hinders her future and witnessing her struggle to come to grips with it all is heart-wrenching. Peterson's use of first person narrative makes it all the more poignant.

This is a tale about survival and growth and the goodness of God. It's about not giving up even when you have to let go and it will haunt you long after you read the last word.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson, leave a comment below. Or you can email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please make sure to put the title in the subject line. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 23. Good luck! Offer open internationally.

"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".

15 comments:

  1. I would absolutely love to win this book! I can so relate. Please enter me. Thank you!

    Linda at: desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  2. Good luck,Linda, it's an awesome read!

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  3. I'd love to win this book. cllane2 at liberty dot edu

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  4. I would absolutely love to win this book! I can so relate. Please enter me. Thank you!

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  5. CharityLane and LyonsLady -- you're in the draw. Good luck!

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  6. YES!! Please enter me! I believe some things need to be out in the open for those involved to heal. I'd love to read this book.
    cepjwms (at) wb4me (dot) com

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  7. I admire authors who are not afraid to tackle tough subjects in their fiction. I like the way God's grace and love are shown to give the characters hope in the midst of their struggles.
    I would very much like to win a copy of "House of Secrets." I know Tracie Peterson is a very gifted writer.
    Thanks.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  8. would enjoy reading tracie's latest novel...thanks for the opportunity to do so :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  9. Looks wonderful. Thanks

    blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Pamela, Pam, Karen and Lauralee -- you're all in the draw for this spectacular book. Good luck!

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  11. Onto my wishlist this book goes. Sounds like a wonderful read. Interesting how books can haunt you long after you have read the final page.

    Can you please enter my name in the draw as I would love to read this book.

    zabook at tpg dot com dot au

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  12. I love Tracie Peterson books. Please enter me. Thanks.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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  13. Tracie Peterson is a great author. I would love to go in the draw for this book! Thanks!!

    ettaman89ATyahooDOTcomDOTau

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  14. Good luck Shaz, Amy, and Esther. I wish I could give you all a copy!

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  15. This does sound like a story that would resonate. I always like stories that deal with long-ago secrets. It brings to light the imperfections of a family and prevent them from healing. Thank you for your review.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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