Bailee Cooper’s life is going very well. She is on a successful career path at a growing publishing company, and the boss’s son Mark, who happens to be a really nice guy, would love nothing more than to develop a relationship with her. Unfortunately, Bailee resists emotional ties with anyone, except for her younger sisters. Although they are adults, Bailee can’t help but feel responsible for them, and she refuses to take on jobs or relationships that could interfere with caring for their needs. Bailee’s difficulties stem from the past–she saw her father drug her mother as a child, and her mother died during the night. She has kept this secret since childhood, while vowing to stay strong for her younger sisters who rely on her like a mother.
When Bailee’s father asks the girls to come to their summer home for an announcement, Bailee heads to Washington state to meet her family. Bailee’s dad shares a surprise with the girls, but their response shocks him. As the secrets and pain from the past come out, the tenuous threads holding the family together unravel. In a moment of distress, Bailee calls Mark, who drops everything and heads to Washington to offer support during the confusing and traumatic time. Bailee must deal with the past and work on the present crisis before she can deal with any thoughts of the future. With Mark’s support, and God’s love, Bailee works to find healing and hope.
House of Secrets is a touching and dramatic story. At its core, House of Secrets exposes the difficult challenges that families face when a loved one is suffering from mental illness. Although mental illness ranges in severity, I don’t know many families who have not dealt with the pain and devastating effects related to mental illness in some way. Author Tracie Peterson does an excellent job of portraying the suffering, the anger, the challenges, and even the guilt that family members face. While the details of Bailee’s story are extreme, the story resonates easily with anyone who has been touched by these difficulties.
House of Secrets is a moving, fast-paced novel that is difficult to put down. The emotions are real and raw, and I grieved for the loss and struggles experienced by the three sisters. Tracie Peterson has crafted a well-written story that exposes the realities of mental illness, while offering hope for healing. I recommend it to all of you.
Thanks to Bethany House, we have one copy of House of Secrets to giveaway (U.S. shipping address only). Please leave a comment on this post. We’ll announce the winner in our book review column here on January 23.
- The winner of the Mr. Popper’s Penguins ebook is #11 Sue Borowiak.
- Our giveaway for the women’s fiction novel One Moment, One Morning is still open another week.
- Check out all our current book giveaways at 5 Minutes for Books right now!
Original review by 5 Minutes for Books staff reviewer: Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.
This giveaway is wonderful!
This book looks great!
There is nothing like a snowstorm that has me check what books I have tbr. Great review, and this plot line does not sound like they mystery/thrillers I have been reading
This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
This book looks like a wonderful read.
Sounds like an interesting read. thank you
I’d love to win, thanks
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win!
Would love to read this book. Thank you for this awesome giveaway. 🙂 Jeanne
I would like to win. This book sounds like something I can relate to. (mental illness) I don’t know if I will remember to come back and check to see if I won so please email if I am the lucky one. Thanks for the giveaway.
Laurie
I would love to win this book, it sounds wonderful!!!
I haven’t read this one yet and would really like to.
i need a good, new book.
This book sounds to be a really great read.
I’ve enjoyed many of Tracie Peterson’s books, and am sure I would also enjoy this one. Thanks for the opportunity of a chance to win.
Thanks for the giveaway, looks like a great read!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I worked for a lady with a adult with mental illness and its a subject alot of people arent familiar with or know how to handle .
Sounds like a great read, thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to read this!
Sounds like a really good book. I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance.
sounds wonderful, I want to read it!
This book sounds so good, I am reading it first, then pass it on to my girlfriend next.
Now I’m curious! I would love to read it.
This book is on my to-read list, I would love to win a copy!
Sounds riveting if read at the right time.
Sounds like a really good book!
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sounds great, would love to read it!
sounds liek my kind of book Awosme- luckyladybug67@yahoo.com
Sounds good to me! Love to read it – thanks!
Thanks for the chance to win this book.
Would like to own this book.
I’d like to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!
sounds like a good read, thanks for the giveaway!
love to read in my free time, this would be nice
Would love to win! Thanks for the chance!
ive been meaning to start reading more so i would love to win thsi book =)
I enjoy books that are fast paced and hard to put down! Sounds very good!
This book sounds so interesting.
Thanks for the opportunity! This looks like a good one!
sounds interesting thanks for the giveaway
shopannies@yahoo.com
I’ve enjoyed other Tracie Peterson books and this one sounds a bit different, I’d like to be in please!
Thank you for a great review and giveaway =)
Families dealing with mental illness–that interests me.
Thank you!
My wife would love to read this book, thanks for the chance.
This sounds intriguing! Thanks for the chance!
Thank you for the opportunity
I would love to win this book
I’ve enjoyed her books before. I’d love to read this one, too.
This looks super interesting, thanks!
This book sounds so good, hope to win, so that I can read it.
I am definitely adding this book to my wish list!
I would really love to read this book, it sounds so good.
Looks like a good book!
I’d like to read this book. Thanks.
I love Tracie Peterson, and I haven’t read this one yet. Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity.
Great giveaway…thanks for the chance to win!
I’m a bit tentative, but I trust your take on it.