I just finished a new book entitled HOUSE OF SECRETS by Tracie Peterson. I loved this book! It is about a family of three daughters struggling with the devastating effects of mental illness, schizophrenia, on their family. It is a story of God's redeeming love for this family and His healing power to transform lives many years after tragedy. The story is being told by the oldest daughter whose life seems to have been the most impacted by the illness of her mother. The daughter, Bailee Cooper, is reclusive, afraid of relationships and being hurt by those who might discover the baggage of her past. Though she has suppressed many of the events in her young life, they still seem to effect her. It's not until the father invites the three daughters to their summer home on the west coast the girls begin to put the puzzle pieces of the past together to enable healing. God's overwhelming Grace shines through this book. Spiritually, there are many examples of how God supernaturally speaks through His Word, through people, through events. There is a developing love relationship between Bailee and her boss, Mark Delahunt (a Christian). The book speaks of how the church incorrectly handled the mental illness and the effect on the family. The most resounding spiritual impact is the overwhelming Grace Bailee receives, as the Lord draws her into the fold.
I feel the author gives much respect to the issue of mental illness and schizophrenia specifically. She is sympathetic to all the victims in its path. I particularly like how the author addresses the positive and negative impact it has on and from the church. The book caused me, as a member of the church, to reflect about what my own reaction to these victims and their families would be.
Overall, it was a very inspirational read which brought me to tears and caused me to give thanks for the Grace of God in my own life. I do highly recommend the book to all readers. What family doesn't have some form of dysfunction? It reminded me that God is still on the throne and able and ready to meet the needs of those who will call on His name!
I feel it is a safe read for early teens also. Topics in this book include, along with mental illness, isolation, murder, suicide, depression, cutting, sexual promiscuity (though only mentioned as having occurred, not explicit), abortion, foster care, and others.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review.
