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House of Secrets
Peterson Presents a Compelling Contemporary Tale
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?
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?
313 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
118 people are currently reading
1193 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
253 books3,143 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
July 21, 2017
4.5 stars
This book was so different than I thought it would be. It hit on some really tough issues, but I thought the author handled them very well. This book felt really real to me. Real people, real struggles, real reactions, real growth.
This book was so different than I thought it would be. It hit on some really tough issues, but I thought the author handled them very well. This book felt really real to me. Real people, real struggles, real reactions, real growth.
September 4, 2016
This book deals with the important topic of schizophrenia, not often seen in Christian fiction. Three young adult sisters meet their father and his new wife for a family reunion of sorts. The sisters have questions about their mother's death. Did their father have something to do with it?
Meanwhile, Bailee, the oldest, became hyper-responsible in the wake of her mother's incapacity. Bailee is paying the price in her relationships.
While I'm glad to see the subject matter as the theme of a novel, I didn't feel this was particularly well executed. Too much conversational drama without sufficient set up. I didn't feel drawn to any of the characters. They were two-dimensional. I got the sense that the book may have been written in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Bailee, the oldest, became hyper-responsible in the wake of her mother's incapacity. Bailee is paying the price in her relationships.
While I'm glad to see the subject matter as the theme of a novel, I didn't feel this was particularly well executed. Too much conversational drama without sufficient set up. I didn't feel drawn to any of the characters. They were two-dimensional. I got the sense that the book may have been written in a hurry.
March 11, 2012
I'm not going to summarize this book because you can find plenty of summaries on it. To get straight to the point, the story line had me in suspense enough to keep reading until too late at night.
But the book as a whole was disappointing. I found it way too forced. It's difficult to explain exactly what I mean by that, but essentially, I had trouble buying in to the characters. I don't know anyone who feels an emotion and can immediately analyze the exact source and deeper emotion that is causing that feeling. Even the most logical persons among us has difficulty identifying emotions and tracing them to their source from time to time. I also felt like I was being spoon fed to much of what was going on instead of being able to watch the plot and characters and figure out what was at the heart of the matter myself.
In addition, I found the depiction of Christianity and the Christian life to be way too sunny and happy-go-lucky. Sure, we like to think that immediately upon becoming a Christian we have the courage and desire to witness to everyone around us and immediately want to read the Bible, pray, and go to church, but when is that ever a reality? For these characters, it's like flipping a switch. You become a Christian and suddenly all of life's problems are solved. I found it frustrating, unrealistic, and rather annoying.
Despite all that, I did enjoy it, I just wish I hadn't spent money on it.
But the book as a whole was disappointing. I found it way too forced. It's difficult to explain exactly what I mean by that, but essentially, I had trouble buying in to the characters. I don't know anyone who feels an emotion and can immediately analyze the exact source and deeper emotion that is causing that feeling. Even the most logical persons among us has difficulty identifying emotions and tracing them to their source from time to time. I also felt like I was being spoon fed to much of what was going on instead of being able to watch the plot and characters and figure out what was at the heart of the matter myself.
In addition, I found the depiction of Christianity and the Christian life to be way too sunny and happy-go-lucky. Sure, we like to think that immediately upon becoming a Christian we have the courage and desire to witness to everyone around us and immediately want to read the Bible, pray, and go to church, but when is that ever a reality? For these characters, it's like flipping a switch. You become a Christian and suddenly all of life's problems are solved. I found it frustrating, unrealistic, and rather annoying.
Despite all that, I did enjoy it, I just wish I hadn't spent money on it.
December 7, 2016
This was quite a heavy/deep. The story dealt with mental illness and the effect it has on a family, especially young children and spouses.
My heart went out to Bailee and all she had to take on as a small child. No child should ever have a childhood like she experienced. I enjoyed seeing Bailee and her sisters and father experience healing as the story unfolds and secrets and issues was dealt with.
This is a story about secrets and the hurt it causes, redemption and healing. If you like that type of stories, this book is for you.
My heart went out to Bailee and all she had to take on as a small child. No child should ever have a childhood like she experienced. I enjoyed seeing Bailee and her sisters and father experience healing as the story unfolds and secrets and issues was dealt with.
This is a story about secrets and the hurt it causes, redemption and healing. If you like that type of stories, this book is for you.
October 7, 2011
I'm having the hardest time putting into words how great this book was. To be totally honest, I wasn't sure what to expect after looking at the front cover and being less than impressed. However, Tracie Peterson has always written excellent contemporary novels, and I should've never doubted that this novel would be equally as good.
This was the second time this year that I've read a Christian book that dealt with mental illness. The family in House of Secrets has lived their lives based on years and years of secrets that were all rooted in the mother's illness of paranoid schizophrenia. And truly, no one felt the weight of those secrets more than Bailee, the main character. To be told as a child that you're responsible for your two sisters, and then on the flip side, to be told that it's your fault if anything happens to them was heartbreaking to read. As a result, Bailee's childhood was so far from normal, it wasn't even funny.
The emotions were all over the place, too. Fear, hurt, regret, and anger were all portrayed so realistically that I felt like I was part of the story. Mind you, I've got enough drama in my own life that I don't need to borrow these folks', but I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if faced with a situation like this. Would I be like the church members whose reacted with disdain and judgment, or would I be more like Mark--unafraid to step in to be a rock for Bailee in her time of need?
Trying to describe this book has been so hard to do. That's why I said in the beginning that I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book. I can't wrap up years of lies, secrets, and omissions in a nice box with a pretty little bow through a review. It's impossible. So, I'll close by saying if you're a fan of Tracie Peterson's contemporary novels, get your hands on this book. It will challenge your thinking through some difficult subjects that will make you wonder how you might respond if faced with the same situations. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
This was the second time this year that I've read a Christian book that dealt with mental illness. The family in House of Secrets has lived their lives based on years and years of secrets that were all rooted in the mother's illness of paranoid schizophrenia. And truly, no one felt the weight of those secrets more than Bailee, the main character. To be told as a child that you're responsible for your two sisters, and then on the flip side, to be told that it's your fault if anything happens to them was heartbreaking to read. As a result, Bailee's childhood was so far from normal, it wasn't even funny.
The emotions were all over the place, too. Fear, hurt, regret, and anger were all portrayed so realistically that I felt like I was part of the story. Mind you, I've got enough drama in my own life that I don't need to borrow these folks', but I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if faced with a situation like this. Would I be like the church members whose reacted with disdain and judgment, or would I be more like Mark--unafraid to step in to be a rock for Bailee in her time of need?
Trying to describe this book has been so hard to do. That's why I said in the beginning that I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Sometimes, books come along that are so broad and meaningful, there's really nothing left to say except it was a great book. I can't wrap up years of lies, secrets, and omissions in a nice box with a pretty little bow through a review. It's impossible. So, I'll close by saying if you're a fan of Tracie Peterson's contemporary novels, get your hands on this book. It will challenge your thinking through some difficult subjects that will make you wonder how you might respond if faced with the same situations. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
October 17, 2011
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.
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.
March 1, 2017
This was an emotional story. I'm used to this author's historical fiction, so this was definitely a change, but I definitely enjoyed reading it. The sisters each dealt with the struggle in her own way and it was interesting seeing them do that. I'm glad to have read this book and think if you enjoyed Tracie's other books you should give this a read.
June 18, 2019
Wonderful Christian fiction
Wow! This was really a very good book. It was so involved and covered so much and it was hard to put down. It brought out so wonderfully how God can work in our lives of we just get out of the way and let Him. Wonderful read.
Wow! This was really a very good book. It was so involved and covered so much and it was hard to put down. It brought out so wonderfully how God can work in our lives of we just get out of the way and let Him. Wonderful read.
April 21, 2025
It’s been a long time since a book has so quickly and thoroughly “sucked me in”… I couldn’t put this down! The absolute raw and real feelings of the characters kept me enthralled!! Well done!
March 2, 2012
The Cooper family put the dys in dys-functional family. Their mother died when they were all young, and their father just shipped them from boarding school to hired help, and worked away from home as often as possible. Three young girls who have lost their mother, a mother who was mentally ill, but they were too young to understand that, they just knew that their mother was gone, and now their father is gone too, but he hasn't died like their mother died, he chooses to be away from them. At least that is what it seems like to them.
All grown up now, they each have dealt in their own way, however helpful or destructive that may have been. Imagine their surprise when their father asks them to meet him at the vacation home in Washington for an announcement. The same vacation home they were at when their mom died, the same place they all three believed was where their father murdered their mother. Fifteen years have passed and they have always hidden the fact that they are positive that they saw their father drug their mother, and causing her death. How will they deal with this? Confront? Continue hiding the secret?
This book was intriguing, I was horrified at the pain the girls had faced, believing all those years their own father killed their mother. I also felt the anger they did, towards what they felt was his abandonment of them in their greatest hour of need, but I understand his loss of ability to cope with the entire situation. A great book, that will keep you reading to the last page. Tracie Peterson again shows her great talent in this book, do not miss reading this book! 4 stars $14.99 US 305 pages
This book was provided by Bethany House for review purposes only, no payment was received for this book review.
All grown up now, they each have dealt in their own way, however helpful or destructive that may have been. Imagine their surprise when their father asks them to meet him at the vacation home in Washington for an announcement. The same vacation home they were at when their mom died, the same place they all three believed was where their father murdered their mother. Fifteen years have passed and they have always hidden the fact that they are positive that they saw their father drug their mother, and causing her death. How will they deal with this? Confront? Continue hiding the secret?
This book was intriguing, I was horrified at the pain the girls had faced, believing all those years their own father killed their mother. I also felt the anger they did, towards what they felt was his abandonment of them in their greatest hour of need, but I understand his loss of ability to cope with the entire situation. A great book, that will keep you reading to the last page. Tracie Peterson again shows her great talent in this book, do not miss reading this book! 4 stars $14.99 US 305 pages
This book was provided by Bethany House for review purposes only, no payment was received for this book review.
October 13, 2011
Wow. Tracie Peterson and contemporary fiction? Is that a first? When I heard about this book I knew I had to read it because I have read so many of Tracie’s historical novels. I have to be honest, when I first started reading House of Secrets I didn’t think I could get through it. It sounded like it was going to be too depressing and too full of conflict, but about fifty pages into the story, I found that I could not put this book down. I almost felt like I was intruding on this family, but I was just so curious about all of the secrets and what was going to happen. I did feel that some of the arguing was getting repetitive and I was ready to move on at one point, and just when I started to feel that way, Tracie moved the story forward, gracefully.
House of Secrets is truly a one of a kind story. It deals with the very difficult subject of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. It also deals with the damage that can be done when a family keeps secrets and allows pain from the past to fester when it is not dealt with properly. And of course, the strong Christian message makes quite an impact on the overall story, making it very inspirational. Tracie has done a superb job of telling the Cooper family’s story and she has done a great job of bringing our attention to how damaging mental illness can be while giving some dignity to those who suffer from it.
House of Secrets is truly a one of a kind story. It deals with the very difficult subject of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. It also deals with the damage that can be done when a family keeps secrets and allows pain from the past to fester when it is not dealt with properly. And of course, the strong Christian message makes quite an impact on the overall story, making it very inspirational. Tracie has done a superb job of telling the Cooper family’s story and she has done a great job of bringing our attention to how damaging mental illness can be while giving some dignity to those who suffer from it.
July 15, 2019
House of Secrets was the most 'Meh' book I think I have ever read. There really wasn't any part of this book that grabbed me or made me feel any emotions. It really was just plain boring.
- The book is called House of Secrets, the main character reiterates over and over again that her life is a huge mess and she is super messed up because if her childhood and their huge family secrets. There is this huge buildup to this whole horrible and interesting explosion of secrets and lies. Be prepared to be disappointed. There is one real secret with a couple of extra "secrets" that are related. The oldest sister seemed to have had a pretty rough go of it, but I think that the story line is overall story is overly amped.
- If you are not religious, the book can definitely get frustrating. There are multiple points in the book where it just goes on and on about God and how the main character is having revelations about her beliefs. I've read many books with God in them, and its usually not an issue because its part of the character and its meaningful towards the story. I guess I'm not sure exactly why, but I was extremely bored during those parts and was getting really frustrated. I think some of my frustration came from the fact that the guy who the main character likes says at one point that he would not be willing to date her unless she started believing in God... romantic.
- The book is called House of Secrets, the main character reiterates over and over again that her life is a huge mess and she is super messed up because if her childhood and their huge family secrets. There is this huge buildup to this whole horrible and interesting explosion of secrets and lies. Be prepared to be disappointed. There is one real secret with a couple of extra "secrets" that are related. The oldest sister seemed to have had a pretty rough go of it, but I think that the story line is overall story is overly amped.
- If you are not religious, the book can definitely get frustrating. There are multiple points in the book where it just goes on and on about God and how the main character is having revelations about her beliefs. I've read many books with God in them, and its usually not an issue because its part of the character and its meaningful towards the story. I guess I'm not sure exactly why, but I was extremely bored during those parts and was getting really frustrated. I think some of my frustration came from the fact that the guy who the main character likes says at one point that he would not be willing to date her unless she started believing in God... romantic.
November 17, 2011
Bailey Cooper along with her sister's Geena and Piper have been summoned to Bremerton, WA by their Dad.
Supposedly their Dad has some information for them? What Bailey and Geena believe is that he will finally admit to murdering their Mother?? There are so so many secrets in their family.
The story has a lot to do with living with a mental illness, specifically Schizophrenia. The girls wonder if they have inherited this illness. There are flashback, periods of remembering. They hadn't been back to WA in fifteen years. All of the girls, even though they have finished college, and have excellent careers ahead, are having a hard time with relationships. They were actually robbed of their childhood.
Mark Delahunt, sees something in Bailey, and he wants a relationship with her. He will not go further into being with her if she is not a believer.
I love the way those who come to the Lord are able to find Forgiveness, and give Forgiveness. I also feel once you finish this book, it is going to linger in your mind for a long time.
I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Supposedly their Dad has some information for them? What Bailey and Geena believe is that he will finally admit to murdering their Mother?? There are so so many secrets in their family.
The story has a lot to do with living with a mental illness, specifically Schizophrenia. The girls wonder if they have inherited this illness. There are flashback, periods of remembering. They hadn't been back to WA in fifteen years. All of the girls, even though they have finished college, and have excellent careers ahead, are having a hard time with relationships. They were actually robbed of their childhood.
Mark Delahunt, sees something in Bailey, and he wants a relationship with her. He will not go further into being with her if she is not a believer.
I love the way those who come to the Lord are able to find Forgiveness, and give Forgiveness. I also feel once you finish this book, it is going to linger in your mind for a long time.
I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 12, 2017
I really don't know what to say about this book. There were some parts that were interesting, and some parts I wholly disagreed with. Like the romance was totally wrong in my mind. The main character was very against God, and yet the love interest was a strong Christian and let her know he was waiting for her to come to Christ, basically. That's a horrible motivation for getting your life right with God. (Not that that was the reason the main character did, but it seemed like that's the reason the love interest wanted her too.)
Overall, the book didn't exactly hold my attention, (although parts were intriguing), I didn't like the main character, and then near the end there was a lot twist that was just plain creepy. If took the book from possibly being 3 stars to just barely passing 1 star.
Sorry folks!
Overall, the book didn't exactly hold my attention, (although parts were intriguing), I didn't like the main character, and then near the end there was a lot twist that was just plain creepy. If took the book from possibly being 3 stars to just barely passing 1 star.
Sorry folks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
This book—was the best book I’ve read this year so far.
I’m actually sad that I’m done with it, But it was so good. It had the perfect amount of everything. It was always so interesting, I couldn’t put it down, it was sad, it was heartbreaking, BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!
Bailee had a love interest for the loyal, smart, handsome man named mark and he is so intelligently perfect! Yes, her family had issues…but they got through it and even when she didn’t believe in god, She found him! She found him and it was beautiful. I’m shook. This was such an amazing book. It made me cry, I totally recommend this book if you’re a Christian, and love a great mystery! I actually might read this book again- it was so good.
Have an amazing day!
I’m actually sad that I’m done with it, But it was so good. It had the perfect amount of everything. It was always so interesting, I couldn’t put it down, it was sad, it was heartbreaking, BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!
Bailee had a love interest for the loyal, smart, handsome man named mark and he is so intelligently perfect! Yes, her family had issues…but they got through it and even when she didn’t believe in god, She found him! She found him and it was beautiful. I’m shook. This was such an amazing book. It made me cry, I totally recommend this book if you’re a Christian, and love a great mystery! I actually might read this book again- it was so good.
Have an amazing day!
October 1, 2012
I did not get attached to any of the characters in this novel, and therefore, I had little empathy in any of the situations they endured.
Three grown sisters return to their childhood home and confront their father with issues from the past. I found it hard to believe these questions weren't addressed years ago.
Lastly, the romance in the story didn't at all seem realistic. Maybe I feel this way because the main character was too 'woe is me' the entire book. The guy was out of touch with reality if he wanted to take on that emotional woman!
Three grown sisters return to their childhood home and confront their father with issues from the past. I found it hard to believe these questions weren't addressed years ago.
Lastly, the romance in the story didn't at all seem realistic. Maybe I feel this way because the main character was too 'woe is me' the entire book. The guy was out of touch with reality if he wanted to take on that emotional woman!
July 2, 2012
This book was an interesting study in family relationships and mental illness. I was intrigued by much of the story and wanted to find out what had happened in the characters pasts. The part that ruined this book for me was how preachy it was. I didn't realize that it was christian fiction when I began the book and that wouldn't have really bothered me if the tone hadn't been so self-righteous.
September 23, 2014
Boring. The secrets in the title weren't secret very long. Everything else was filler and a romance story, which isn't my favorite genre. The sudden and improbable conversion in the middle of the book bothered me. The writing style was not engaging. I really had to force myself to finish this book. Normally I don't continue with a book that doesn't interest me but I kept thinking it would get better, but it never did.
March 16, 2012
I had never read this author before...not that I am aware of anyway...apparently she has written 90 novels...sigh...I felt there was a decent story here but I really hated listening to the leading character...she truly annoyed me - thrilled to be done with it
September 19, 2013
One dimensional stereotypical characters, the story was so overly simplified it was painful to read. The main character's conversion is completely unbelievable. I've enjoyed other Tracie Peterson books, but this one was very poorly done.
June 7, 2012
I did not care for this book at all. The author seemed to drag the story out for a lot longer than it needed to be.
March 30, 2012
From my blog: http://books-camilleelise4.blogspot.com
This month for my Fans of Amish Fiction group read on GoodReads our Christian Fiction pick was
House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson
I'll admit it, I wasn't going to read this. I am short on time, have a ton of books to get through, and finals are looming! Not to mention I am job searching like mad...
But I really like Tracie Peterson. I have only previously read her historical fiction works, and you can catch my reviews of some of those by clicking here.
This contemporary fiction novel struck me as interesting because of the fact that it deals with mental illness, which is not common among Christian fiction.
Usually Christian fiction doesn't get to the nitty-gritty issues. It's all about romance, and finding the right man (or woman) that God means for the main character. What I really admire about Tracie Peterson is that she addresses more challenging topics in her novels, and does so with respect and tact.
In House of Secrets, three young women, who have had a challenging relationship with their father after the death of their mother some 15 years prior, return to their summer home at their father's request.
But upon their return, the secrets of their past, and the death of their mother begin to emerge as they find out that she was a paranoid schizophrenic, who lived in fear that "bad men" would come steal her daughters. And when she felt the whole world had turned against her, things became worse and worse. Their father was at his limit and upon their mother's mysterious death, he withdraws further, sending the girls to boarding school and closing himself off from them entirely.
Bailee, the oldest, has felt the responsibility of watching over her younger sisters Geena & Piper her entire life. After all, her mother constantly told her that they were her responsibility, or else a "bad man" would steal them away. So Bailee has shut herself off from the world, refusing to open her heart to anyone or anything, and only caring for her sisters, trying to protect them.
But the more time they spend together in the summer house, the more mysterious memories that Bailee has, and the more secrets begin to emerge. Things that have been hidden for so many years are finally out in the open, but it causes their already weak bonds as a family to crumble...
Will forgiveness be a possibility after all the lies and secrets that have been kept for so many years? Or is the house full of secrets too much, enough to destroy their shaky bonds...?
Read House of Secrets to find out!
From the minute I started this book, I was drawn in. Be assured, it isn't exactly the cheeriest read one can pick up, but it is compelling, and fascinating.
Mental illnesses can easily destroy families, and one as devastating as paranoid schizophrenia is almost an insurmountable challenge. To be such young girls, and to have their father gone, and therefore forced to deal with an ill mother on their own must have been unbelievably hard. It's no wonder that their familial bonds are weak at best.
The story is told from the first-person perspective of Bailee as she works through the flashes of memories she gets from the past while visiting their old vacation home where their mother had last been alive. I was able to connect with her immediately in so many ways: I am close to her age, and I understand how lost we can feel at this age.
Geena was probably the least personable of the characters. A law student, I should have been able to relate to her, but I found her to be rather pretentious with her law knowledge. Gosh, I hope I'm not like that in daily conversations with others! She was always interjecting with her law knowledge, but the one thing I can say as an almost law graduate myself, the only thing I know is how much none of us know. So perhaps that's why she annoyed me a bit.
Piper is the youngest of the sisters, and was clearly struggling with potential mental illnesses of her own. She too believed in the stigma against mental illness and refused to seek treatment for herself. But it was clear that she wasn't very functional because of her desire to do little but stay in bed almost all day, every day.
I think that Tracie Peterson did a brilliant job addressing a sensitive topic. She handled paranoid schizophrenia with dignity, and never once made a judgment negatively about the mental illness. Instead, I think she was really able to delve into the challenges that family members would face when having a loved one suffer from this type of illness. I think it's very true that some people, like their father in the book, would shut down and avoid dealing with the mental illness head on.
The only things I didn't like about the book were that it was a bit preachy in some places (yes I realize it's Christian fiction, but I prefer undertones rather than preaching) and that while Tracie Peterson didn't make negative judgments about paranoid schizophrenia, she did about abortion.
No character in the book got an abortion, let me make that clear, it's just a topic that came up at one point, and there was a lot of judging by calling it "murder". While I realize it's a very divisive topic that everyone has a strong opinion on, it really jarred me that a large part of the book makes a point to show how "Christians" ran away from helping someone suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, and how wrong that is, but then later it's ok to call abortion murder... It doesn't seem to be consistent with me. I think she easily could have written that part of the book where the father expresses regret that he asked their mother to get an abortion in the past, without including it was murder. There was no reason to throw such a loaded word in there, and the storyline could have progressed just as easily without it. I almost considered putting the book down at that point, and not finishing. It bothered me that much!
Again, I respect that there are varying opinions on the topic, but what I can't stand is the hypocrisy of Christians saying that they believe in not judging others and treating all people with love, and then turning around and judging someone so harshly by calling them a "murderer". I feel if you're going to be Christian and preach love and acceptance, you have to practice it too!
And though the abortion discussion was very short (maybe only a couple pages), it bothered me that much, and it jarred me that much, and it was so inconsistent with the entire message of the book, that it seriously lowered the rating of the entire book for me. Tracie Peterson showed such respect and tact when discussing mental illness, and then threw it all out the window in a couple of pages discussing abortion... And now, I'm a bit gun-shy about picking up any more of her books. It's really a shame...
Consequently, I give the book 2.5 out of 5 stars. Had it been consistent in demonstrating how Christians should practice love and acceptance, always, it might have been a 4 or 4.5 out of 5.
This month for my Fans of Amish Fiction group read on GoodReads our Christian Fiction pick was
House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson
I'll admit it, I wasn't going to read this. I am short on time, have a ton of books to get through, and finals are looming! Not to mention I am job searching like mad...
But I really like Tracie Peterson. I have only previously read her historical fiction works, and you can catch my reviews of some of those by clicking here.
This contemporary fiction novel struck me as interesting because of the fact that it deals with mental illness, which is not common among Christian fiction.
Usually Christian fiction doesn't get to the nitty-gritty issues. It's all about romance, and finding the right man (or woman) that God means for the main character. What I really admire about Tracie Peterson is that she addresses more challenging topics in her novels, and does so with respect and tact.
In House of Secrets, three young women, who have had a challenging relationship with their father after the death of their mother some 15 years prior, return to their summer home at their father's request.
But upon their return, the secrets of their past, and the death of their mother begin to emerge as they find out that she was a paranoid schizophrenic, who lived in fear that "bad men" would come steal her daughters. And when she felt the whole world had turned against her, things became worse and worse. Their father was at his limit and upon their mother's mysterious death, he withdraws further, sending the girls to boarding school and closing himself off from them entirely.
Bailee, the oldest, has felt the responsibility of watching over her younger sisters Geena & Piper her entire life. After all, her mother constantly told her that they were her responsibility, or else a "bad man" would steal them away. So Bailee has shut herself off from the world, refusing to open her heart to anyone or anything, and only caring for her sisters, trying to protect them.
But the more time they spend together in the summer house, the more mysterious memories that Bailee has, and the more secrets begin to emerge. Things that have been hidden for so many years are finally out in the open, but it causes their already weak bonds as a family to crumble...
Will forgiveness be a possibility after all the lies and secrets that have been kept for so many years? Or is the house full of secrets too much, enough to destroy their shaky bonds...?
Read House of Secrets to find out!
From the minute I started this book, I was drawn in. Be assured, it isn't exactly the cheeriest read one can pick up, but it is compelling, and fascinating.
Mental illnesses can easily destroy families, and one as devastating as paranoid schizophrenia is almost an insurmountable challenge. To be such young girls, and to have their father gone, and therefore forced to deal with an ill mother on their own must have been unbelievably hard. It's no wonder that their familial bonds are weak at best.
The story is told from the first-person perspective of Bailee as she works through the flashes of memories she gets from the past while visiting their old vacation home where their mother had last been alive. I was able to connect with her immediately in so many ways: I am close to her age, and I understand how lost we can feel at this age.
Geena was probably the least personable of the characters. A law student, I should have been able to relate to her, but I found her to be rather pretentious with her law knowledge. Gosh, I hope I'm not like that in daily conversations with others! She was always interjecting with her law knowledge, but the one thing I can say as an almost law graduate myself, the only thing I know is how much none of us know. So perhaps that's why she annoyed me a bit.
Piper is the youngest of the sisters, and was clearly struggling with potential mental illnesses of her own. She too believed in the stigma against mental illness and refused to seek treatment for herself. But it was clear that she wasn't very functional because of her desire to do little but stay in bed almost all day, every day.
I think that Tracie Peterson did a brilliant job addressing a sensitive topic. She handled paranoid schizophrenia with dignity, and never once made a judgment negatively about the mental illness. Instead, I think she was really able to delve into the challenges that family members would face when having a loved one suffer from this type of illness. I think it's very true that some people, like their father in the book, would shut down and avoid dealing with the mental illness head on.
The only things I didn't like about the book were that it was a bit preachy in some places (yes I realize it's Christian fiction, but I prefer undertones rather than preaching) and that while Tracie Peterson didn't make negative judgments about paranoid schizophrenia, she did about abortion.
No character in the book got an abortion, let me make that clear, it's just a topic that came up at one point, and there was a lot of judging by calling it "murder". While I realize it's a very divisive topic that everyone has a strong opinion on, it really jarred me that a large part of the book makes a point to show how "Christians" ran away from helping someone suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, and how wrong that is, but then later it's ok to call abortion murder... It doesn't seem to be consistent with me. I think she easily could have written that part of the book where the father expresses regret that he asked their mother to get an abortion in the past, without including it was murder. There was no reason to throw such a loaded word in there, and the storyline could have progressed just as easily without it. I almost considered putting the book down at that point, and not finishing. It bothered me that much!
Again, I respect that there are varying opinions on the topic, but what I can't stand is the hypocrisy of Christians saying that they believe in not judging others and treating all people with love, and then turning around and judging someone so harshly by calling them a "murderer". I feel if you're going to be Christian and preach love and acceptance, you have to practice it too!
And though the abortion discussion was very short (maybe only a couple pages), it bothered me that much, and it jarred me that much, and it was so inconsistent with the entire message of the book, that it seriously lowered the rating of the entire book for me. Tracie Peterson showed such respect and tact when discussing mental illness, and then threw it all out the window in a couple of pages discussing abortion... And now, I'm a bit gun-shy about picking up any more of her books. It's really a shame...
Consequently, I give the book 2.5 out of 5 stars. Had it been consistent in demonstrating how Christians should practice love and acceptance, always, it might have been a 4 or 4.5 out of 5.
April 16, 2022
My interest in this story was because it was about 3 sisters going back to revisit their families summer house of their childhood. I enjoy most of Tracie Peterson's books, and did enjoy this one. But I did find it a little ho-hum as it took me a bit longer to read.
Bailee Cooper and her sisters Piper and Geena, are called back by their father to the summer home they had as children. Their mother died when they were young. So many secrets from those days haunt Bailey's memories...bad memories as a child who suffered at the hands of her mother who had mental illness. Her sisters only remember some of what happened... but Bailey holds hidden memories that have haunted her for 15 years.
Her father has remarried and is the one bringing them all together again. His wife Judith will help them all recover when the truths of the past surface. Baileys long time friend and boss, Mark Delahunt, loves her and is determined to help see her through her turmoil and be her emotional support hoping to win her heart. Will Bailey see this and be able to leave her past behind? Can she also discover God in all of her wounds and begin to heal? Will she continue to blame God for everything?
"So do nor fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10
Bailee Cooper and her sisters Piper and Geena, are called back by their father to the summer home they had as children. Their mother died when they were young. So many secrets from those days haunt Bailey's memories...bad memories as a child who suffered at the hands of her mother who had mental illness. Her sisters only remember some of what happened... but Bailey holds hidden memories that have haunted her for 15 years.
Her father has remarried and is the one bringing them all together again. His wife Judith will help them all recover when the truths of the past surface. Baileys long time friend and boss, Mark Delahunt, loves her and is determined to help see her through her turmoil and be her emotional support hoping to win her heart. Will Bailey see this and be able to leave her past behind? Can she also discover God in all of her wounds and begin to heal? Will she continue to blame God for everything?
"So do nor fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10
April 17, 2023
Grabbed this for less than a dollar and it was well worth that. I enjoyed the reading of this book - it was a page turner for me; interesting story line, well written and not bogged down with unnecessary language or details, easy and to the point. The story had some good twists in it - nothing mind blowing but definitely unexpected and kept me wanting to read. The characters were likeable and real enough - most situations I felt were an accurate representation of "typical" human emotion and response. I would've liked a little more imagery and possibly character development. The ending tied everything up nicely and didn't leave any loose ends. The ending was a bit anticlimactic but I didn't find it to be disappointing. 3 stars is still a good rating in my book. I wasn't in love with it and I don't think it's likely I'd read it again, but I did greatly enjoy this read through and would recommend it to those who enjoy mild thriller, family drama and secrets/burdens, self discovery, religion/religious discovery/religious doubt, mental illness and main character internal dialog focus.
November 15, 2024
Bailee is the oldest of three sisters. Her mother always put her in charge of the two younger girls, while her mother acted strangely for most of their lives until she finally died, and Bailee continued the caregiving she had started as a young child. It is only when their dad reconnects with them that the three girls finally find out about the things they endured while they were children. Will learning the truth as they grow in the faith that their dad has developed help them through this nightmare and give them more understand?
This is probably one of the creepiest books I have ever read. The things that Bailee remembered as a child that their mother put both her and her sisters through was unbelievable. It was not surprising that all three girls had been affected by their raising and what they believed happened in their childhoods. This story shows how their is always life after horrible events if you let God help you recouperate.
This is probably one of the creepiest books I have ever read. The things that Bailee remembered as a child that their mother put both her and her sisters through was unbelievable. It was not surprising that all three girls had been affected by their raising and what they believed happened in their childhoods. This story shows how their is always life after horrible events if you let God help you recouperate.
May 5, 2018
This is the FIRST "modern day" book I have read by Tracie Peterson. While I really enjoyed it, it didn't quite capture me the way her historical books do.
I was also VERY DISAPPOINTED in the lack of explanation of Salvation. There was no "Plan of Salvation" no I recognize and "CONFESS" that I am a sinner. I am lost and need a Saviour! "BELIEVE" that Jesus died and God hath raised Him again on the third day.
"...Thou shalt be saved."
But sadly all this book did was have her talk AT God in frustration, and then HEAR!!!??? (him?, a voice?, god?) ask her a question!
Eventually she prays and surrenders to this voice (God). Now she reads a random Bible, can date her Boss who is a Christian, and pray when angry or frustrated....
Of course as books do, her life eventually started to untangle... But that my friends is, "the test of the story!"
I don't know, it was too contrived for me.
I was also VERY DISAPPOINTED in the lack of explanation of Salvation. There was no "Plan of Salvation" no I recognize and "CONFESS" that I am a sinner. I am lost and need a Saviour! "BELIEVE" that Jesus died and God hath raised Him again on the third day.
"...Thou shalt be saved."
But sadly all this book did was have her talk AT God in frustration, and then HEAR!!!??? (him?, a voice?, god?) ask her a question!
Eventually she prays and surrenders to this voice (God). Now she reads a random Bible, can date her Boss who is a Christian, and pray when angry or frustrated....
Of course as books do, her life eventually started to untangle... But that my friends is, "the test of the story!"
I don't know, it was too contrived for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2018
Bailee and he sister are called by their father to come to the house that they lived in as kids. There, Bailee tells her sisters of what she remembers of their mother who had a mental illness and what she used to do to them when they were very young. But there's still more secrets. Bailee and her sisters demand to learn the whole truth about their mother and how she died. Their father tells them the whole truth, but that just leaves Bailee surrounded by memories she didn't know she had.
Then Mark Delahunt arrives and comforts Bailee through her emotional struggle. Bailee and Mark feel something growing between them. Before long, they don't shut out their feelings for each other. Mark teaches Bailee about God. As Bailee learns more, she starts to pray. She then feels more peaceful and that she isn't alone.
This book is awesome! It was hard to stop reading it once I'd started.
Then Mark Delahunt arrives and comforts Bailee through her emotional struggle. Bailee and Mark feel something growing between them. Before long, they don't shut out their feelings for each other. Mark teaches Bailee about God. As Bailee learns more, she starts to pray. She then feels more peaceful and that she isn't alone.
This book is awesome! It was hard to stop reading it once I'd started.
January 19, 2024
Let me preface this by saying this novel deals with some heavy topics that will be mentioned at the end, so be warned if CW’s aren’t your thing.
In Peterson’s House of Secrets we follow the Cooper sisters, Bailey, Gina and Piper as they come to understand and accept the dark shadows that surround their family home and childhood. Upon returning to the place where they grew up, and reuniting with their estranged father, Bailey and her sisters learn the truth about their family history and their deceased mother’s battle with schizophrenia.
The truth will be revealed, just not in the way they hope.
In my opinion, these subjects can be hard to handle, but Tracie has dealt with them beautifully. If your looking for a standalone about sisterhood and family, this is the book for you!
CW: death of a loved one, schizophrenia, suicide, death of an infant.
In Peterson’s House of Secrets we follow the Cooper sisters, Bailey, Gina and Piper as they come to understand and accept the dark shadows that surround their family home and childhood. Upon returning to the place where they grew up, and reuniting with their estranged father, Bailey and her sisters learn the truth about their family history and their deceased mother’s battle with schizophrenia.
The truth will be revealed, just not in the way they hope.
In my opinion, these subjects can be hard to handle, but Tracie has dealt with them beautifully. If your looking for a standalone about sisterhood and family, this is the book for you!
CW: death of a loved one, schizophrenia, suicide, death of an infant.
April 29, 2018
Well put together story of schizophrenia and how it can affect not only the one with the disease but all those around that person.
This was a difficult story in that it really delved deep into the harsh reality of mental illness. The author does an excellent job developing the characters and painting a true picture of this family.
As always, I walked away with a greater knowledge of the topic. That's one of the things I love about Tracie Peterson. Her books not only entertain but teach. She is certainly one of the best!
This was a difficult story in that it really delved deep into the harsh reality of mental illness. The author does an excellent job developing the characters and painting a true picture of this family.
As always, I walked away with a greater knowledge of the topic. That's one of the things I love about Tracie Peterson. Her books not only entertain but teach. She is certainly one of the best!
July 16, 2023
I am not going to say much, but I can say that Tracie's view of being a Christian is somewhat myopic. There was one common theme throughout the book that I am not a fan. That is coercion. No true Christian is going to coerce another to do something they are not comfortable. That includes coercing another person to believe in god. Also the quip about getting government help towards the end shows how Christian Tracie Peterson really is. Because we all know how helpful churches are for those needing financial help.
Honestly this is the first faith based book that honestly ticked me off.
Honestly this is the first faith based book that honestly ticked me off.
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