My Father's House By Rose Chandler Johnson

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

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.

My Thoughts:

My Father's House is Rose Chandler Johnson's first book and it is just phenomenal. As a huge fan of debut authors I was excited to have the opportunity to read it. Rose Chandler Johnson writes with authority about Georgia past and present, Detroit, New York, writing, loss, alcoholism, domestic violence, and surviving tragedy and loss.  From the first page until the last I could NOT put this book down. This book really spoke to me and touched me in a way that doesn't happen with a lot of books. The characters in this book are complex and well written. They all have not so perfect lives, making decisions good and bad, and try finding a way to survive. I have to say I really identified with Lily Rose Cates. A woman who finds out that things are NOT what they seem. When she thinks she can't find a way out, she finds the strength through God and her friends to do what she needs to, to save her life and make a new one. I also loved Annie Ruth, she is a strong woman who had a huge part in raising Lily, she sees people for who they are and says what she thinks. Her faith in God is strong and she shares her faith with everyone. Both of these women are fantastic.  As I read Lily's story I really identified with her, her love for her Dad and his love for her and how it carried her through her life.  Having a loving father like Lily's and losing him recently I really identified with her struggle. I found myself laughing in parts, holding my breath in others, and sobbing in others. The sharing of faith, leaning on that faith in midst of unrest really gave me much to think about. This book is one that will stay with me for a long time. I wish I could do the book justice with this review. Just fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Rose Chandler Johnson. She is on my top list of authors. I give this book 5+ STARS.