Amy

Growing up, life is idyllic for Lily Rose Cates due to one constant — her father’s love.

But in her sixteenth summer, all that changes without warning. There begins Lily’s struggle to find herself and the life she’s lost. . . . Marriage promises fulfillment, but her happily-ever-after barely survives the honeymoon. Her husband’s sophisticated façade hides a brooding man with even darker secrets.

When all illusions shatter, Lily must make hard choices — abandon her husband or risk losing much more than her marriage. She flees their home in Detroit and sets out on a fearful journey to a house in Georgia that her husband knows nothing about. This is one woman’s compelling tale of love and survival as she finds her way back home to who she’s meant to be . . . in her father’s house.

Lily struggles to face the world after her father’s death, but there’s something compelling about her journey that makes My Father’s House fascinating.  Characters make or break a story for me, and I have little patience for them when they seem to be continually making poor choices, as Lily often seemed to do in the beginning of the book; but Lily charmed me such that I turned page after page, reading quickly, intent on finding out her fate.

There’s something likeable about Lily.  Part of it is her inherent kindness and innocence, I think, but I also admire the way that she works hard and is a good friend.  Family is important to her and she listens to the lessons they teach her, although it doesn’t always ‘stick’ at first.

Johnson’s writing style is clear and concise but pulls you write into the story.  It flows a bit differently than most books popular now, but it’s clear that the plot is well-planned and the author brilliant.  Johnson penned Lily’s story almost like a memoir, and it has a different feel than your typical off-the-shelf fiction story.  The pace is a bit slower, and it’s set back in time just a little, but it has a this-is-important kind of feel to it.  The focus is clearly on people and relationships, not material things, and that theme comes through well.

I enjoyed the lessons that Lily learns throughout the story, as well.  Lessons like the importance of patience, of doing things right, of listening to elders and making relationships a high priority.  Lily’s story was never preachy but felt as if you were sitting on Grandma’s front porch, learning from the best.

My Father’s House is Johnson’s debut novel, but I hope she keeps writing. 

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Rose Chandler Johnson is the author of the award winning devotional God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments. My Father’s House is her first novel. She happily makes her home near Augusta, Georgia.

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

Medical Judgment is the kind of roller-coaster thrill ride you won’t be able to put down.  I read this book in a single afternoon and wasn’t ready for the story to end.  I love that I couldn’t name the villain, although I had narrowed down the suspect list a bit.  Books in which the authors keep me guessing are the best, and Mabry is a master at twists and turns.

Another aspect I enjoy of his work is the reality of the characters.  They’re heavily flawed in the same kinds of ways as we are, and that makes for a more enjoyable read.  It’s easy to relate to the characters, because while I’ve never been stalked by a crazed gunman, I can understand faith doubts, confidence issues, and family concerns.

I’ve already recommended this book to friends and am sure I’ll be doing so over and over again.  Quality realistic suspense books aren’t easy to find, and Medical Judgment qualifies in spades.

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I received a free copy of Medical Judgment from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.