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The Amber Photograph
Diedre McAlister's mother is dying. But before she lets go of this life, she givers her daughter an old photograph and these parting words: "Find yourself. Find your truth. Just don't expect it to be what you thought it would be."
And Now Diedre's search begins-a quest to find the only person who can provide the missing pieces, the truth. But that search will cost Diedre her naïve innocence and expose her family's unknown dark side. It will shake up Diedre's world, threaten lives, bring out the shadow of her past, challenge her faith-and quite possibly save her life.
And Now Diedre's search begins-a quest to find the only person who can provide the missing pieces, the truth. But that search will cost Diedre her naïve innocence and expose her family's unknown dark side. It will shake up Diedre's world, threaten lives, bring out the shadow of her past, challenge her faith-and quite possibly save her life.
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First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Penelope J. Stokes
44 books179 followersIt’s often been debated whether a person’s destiny lies in genetics or environment, but either way, I suppose I was destined to be a fiction writer. A Baby Boomer with an English teacher and a social worker for parents, I grew up being challenged to develop my imagination, and to seek out for myself the meaning and significance of life. I learned early both the magic and mystery of stories and the importance of people–their dreams, their hopes, their longings, their struggles.
From the age of four, when I first learned to read and discovered that words had incredible power, I dreamed of being a writer. But the fulfillment of that dream was a long time in coming. Ten years of university study, culminating in a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature, led me to a career as a college professor. I loved teaching, loved the students and the challenge and the interaction, but the longing for full-time expression of my creativity never died. Finally, after twelve years of college teaching, I left the classroom and turned my energy toward my life’s passion–writing fiction.
In the process, I discovered another passion–the magnificent grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.
I was raised in Mississippi, and as a child I remember family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I loved the undulating layers of blue and purple and green, the rushing streams coming down over the rocks, the cool glades and misty mornings. And now I live here—in the shadow of the Blue Ridge near DuPont Forest, where rare and remarkable white squirrels chatter wisdom to me from the trees outside my office window.
White squirrel in TamaracBut scenery can only take you so far. Fiction is about people. Not just what happens to them, but about what happens in them–the spiritual, emotional, and psychological passages that lead people to an understanding of their inner selves, and of one another. That’s what I like to write about: the heart, the mind, the soul. Authenticity of character and profound spiritual transformation. I want to draw my readers into a different kind of world–one marked by purpose, significance, and hope. Most importantly, hope.
Some readers have criticized me for dealing with uncomfortable subjects in my fiction–subjects which do not lend themselves to easy answers. The truth is, there are no easy answers in life. There are not even any easy questions. Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that our character is determined not so much by the certainties we cling to, but by the uncertainties we are courageous enough to face.
At the end of the day, only a few things in life really matter: Love. Insight. Growth. Grace. When we’re committed to going deeper, to following the unknown path, our journey can lead us to an understanding of our own our inner being, to a connection with a power that is both within us and beyond us. And that understanding, that connection, gives meaning and purpose to our days.
From the age of four, when I first learned to read and discovered that words had incredible power, I dreamed of being a writer. But the fulfillment of that dream was a long time in coming. Ten years of university study, culminating in a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature, led me to a career as a college professor. I loved teaching, loved the students and the challenge and the interaction, but the longing for full-time expression of my creativity never died. Finally, after twelve years of college teaching, I left the classroom and turned my energy toward my life’s passion–writing fiction.
In the process, I discovered another passion–the magnificent grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.
I was raised in Mississippi, and as a child I remember family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I loved the undulating layers of blue and purple and green, the rushing streams coming down over the rocks, the cool glades and misty mornings. And now I live here—in the shadow of the Blue Ridge near DuPont Forest, where rare and remarkable white squirrels chatter wisdom to me from the trees outside my office window.
White squirrel in TamaracBut scenery can only take you so far. Fiction is about people. Not just what happens to them, but about what happens in them–the spiritual, emotional, and psychological passages that lead people to an understanding of their inner selves, and of one another. That’s what I like to write about: the heart, the mind, the soul. Authenticity of character and profound spiritual transformation. I want to draw my readers into a different kind of world–one marked by purpose, significance, and hope. Most importantly, hope.
Some readers have criticized me for dealing with uncomfortable subjects in my fiction–subjects which do not lend themselves to easy answers. The truth is, there are no easy answers in life. There are not even any easy questions. Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that our character is determined not so much by the certainties we cling to, but by the uncertainties we are courageous enough to face.
At the end of the day, only a few things in life really matter: Love. Insight. Growth. Grace. When we’re committed to going deeper, to following the unknown path, our journey can lead us to an understanding of our own our inner being, to a connection with a power that is both within us and beyond us. And that understanding, that connection, gives meaning and purpose to our days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 28, 2014
Even though I had figured out the mystery by the time I was on page 32, I was still completely enthralled by this book. I read this in a few evenings and could not put it down. The story is about 2 women whose lives are connected by a disturbing past. Diedre and Amber must find each other, find healing and examine thier faith. A great book.
June 23, 2017
Mwah. De 'grote ontknoping' waar het hele boek naartoe werkt is op blz 280 ofzo, maar op blz 40 was het al zo klaar als een klontje. Weinig verrassends en mij een beetje te zoetsappig.
May 11, 2013
What a surprisingly good book! I can't remember now why I bought it or why it has sat for so long on my TBR shelf. However, I am so glad that I picked it up. A story so real, yet not graphic. The worst possible things to happen to a family, and author Penelope J. Stokes writes strong. In a rare display by a writer, Stokes writes honestly, without pulling any punches, yet the reader is not offended or horrified. I felt everything I am positive that Stokes intended her readers to feel: sadness, anger, happiness; all right when I was supposed to feel them. I felt empathy for the characters who deserved it as well as pity and disgust for those who warranted it.
There were some parts of the story that seemed to move slowly, but the feeling didn't last long. I was unaware that the author was a writer of Christian fiction until about halfway through the novel. It is unusual to hear many God references in contemporary fiction, particularly in relation to actual religion as opposed to as an expletive. Rather than making me feel slightly uncomfortable, as such references in fiction tend to do, I highly enjoyed the ties of faith into the story. The characters of Father Susan and Sam Houston were my favorites and many of their insights and spoken phrases really hit home and made me smile. A very lovely story.
There were some parts of the story that seemed to move slowly, but the feeling didn't last long. I was unaware that the author was a writer of Christian fiction until about halfway through the novel. It is unusual to hear many God references in contemporary fiction, particularly in relation to actual religion as opposed to as an expletive. Rather than making me feel slightly uncomfortable, as such references in fiction tend to do, I highly enjoyed the ties of faith into the story. The characters of Father Susan and Sam Houston were my favorites and many of their insights and spoken phrases really hit home and made me smile. A very lovely story.
May 31, 2019
Diedre McAlister’s world has been on shaky ground ever since her mother constructed cancer. Now, just before she dies, her mother gives her a strange present—a photograph of Diedre’s father and her late sister. With her last words, her mother urges her to find her truth. After a series of shocking revelations, Diedre sets out to do just that. But nothing is ever as it seems, and the truth may be something that’s better left unknown...
I honestly didn’t care too much for this book. While I understand that the situations portrayed in the story are unfortunately true to life, I would never have picked it up if I had known the book would center on things like this. I won’t say too much for fear of spoilers, but this is not for squeamish readers. Really, it might be a bit much for mature readers.
I wish I could say that, despite its questionable content, it had a good message. But the story contained quite a few passages that left me concerned about the author’s theology. I was squirming over some of her depictions of God, and several of the characters held decidedly un-Biblical ideals. The only thing saving it from a one-star rating is that it wanted to be a good story. It has potential; it just went about everything in the wrong way. This is definitely not a re-read for me.
I honestly didn’t care too much for this book. While I understand that the situations portrayed in the story are unfortunately true to life, I would never have picked it up if I had known the book would center on things like this. I won’t say too much for fear of spoilers, but this is not for squeamish readers. Really, it might be a bit much for mature readers.
I wish I could say that, despite its questionable content, it had a good message. But the story contained quite a few passages that left me concerned about the author’s theology. I was squirming over some of her depictions of God, and several of the characters held decidedly un-Biblical ideals. The only thing saving it from a one-star rating is that it wanted to be a good story. It has potential; it just went about everything in the wrong way. This is definitely not a re-read for me.
January 21, 2019
This one started out really good - it grabs your interest in the beginning with a great family secret. However, as the story goes on the author spends pages and pages describing every little thought that each character is having. The story finally ends with exactly the outcome that this reader had figured out about a third of the way through the book.
May 2, 2020
This book dragged on... If I had to sum it up in a word. "MEH."
September 30, 2017
When Diedre's mother passes away, she leaves Diedre with hints about her unclear past. Though all of the living people in her life are against it, Diedre sets out on a path to find out the truth about herself, her mother, and her family. Aided by her best friend Carlene, she is determined to follow this trail until the end. Meanwhile, across country, another woman is beginning to realize that she must also remember the past, and finally deal with it. As they set out on a collision course, they do not find it an easy road, but the only way towards the healing truth is forward.
Penelope J Stokes brings her characters to life as she traces Diedre's mysterious past across the country. The inclusion of faith and its healing power were delicately wound into the story, and became a natural part of the girls' journey. The mystery portion of the book wasn't much of a mystery; it was pretty easy to guess within the first 50 pages. However I didn't find that anticipating the outcome of the story took anything away from it for me. The emotions were still there, it was easy to empathize with the characters, and to become outraged by events. This book sat on my TBR shelf for years, but once I gave it a chance I could not put it back down until I reached the end.
Penelope J Stokes brings her characters to life as she traces Diedre's mysterious past across the country. The inclusion of faith and its healing power were delicately wound into the story, and became a natural part of the girls' journey. The mystery portion of the book wasn't much of a mystery; it was pretty easy to guess within the first 50 pages. However I didn't find that anticipating the outcome of the story took anything away from it for me. The emotions were still there, it was easy to empathize with the characters, and to become outraged by events. This book sat on my TBR shelf for years, but once I gave it a chance I could not put it back down until I reached the end.
October 12, 2023
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It took me by surprise in several spots. It was a sweet story. Some parts were hard to read due to the circumstances, but things like this do really happen. I’m ready to try another book by her.
December 30, 2017
This was a touching and heartbreaking read. I ended up liking the book because even though it was sad the book was filled with hope.
February 9, 2019
Good read. love her books.
January 7, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. There are a lot of twists and turns. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
October 27, 2023
Wowser! I loved it.
A well written story
A horrible secret in the family .A healing & faith based story about God's intervention in our lives.
A well written story
A horrible secret in the family .A healing & faith based story about God's intervention in our lives.
January 19, 2024
I don’t read Christian fiction typically. Been a hot minute since this genre has graced my shelves. However, I found this story heartwarming and eye opening. After Deidre loses her mom, Cecelia, to cancer, she decides to go searching for answers to the questions that surfaced after her mother gave Deidra her 25th birthday present.
‘Find your truth.’ Cecelia said. ‘Just don’t expect it to be what you thought it would be.’
With a warning from her mother, Deidre set out on her journey of discovery.
‘Find your truth.’ Cecelia said. ‘Just don’t expect it to be what you thought it would be.’
With a warning from her mother, Deidre set out on her journey of discovery.
April 23, 2024
Good book. I had it figured out very early but still enjoyed it
June 15, 2025
Good story
Good story but not my favorite. Way too wordy. I skipped a lot towards the end. I liked that this was a Christian book.
Good story but not my favorite. Way too wordy. I skipped a lot towards the end. I liked that this was a Christian book.
March 11, 2017
Part suspense story, part family drama, with a tough of spirituality thrown in! Really good read. I will look for others by this author now.
March 29, 2012
I tried to read this one once years ago and it didn't work. I think probably because I'd just read two of Stokes's other books, and this one felt too much the same. However, coming back to it now, fresh and not having read her work for a long time, I found this book incredibly inspiring.
The younger character's (sorry, can't remember names right now - she's early 20s, though) mother dies, sending her life into a tailspin, and setting her on a determined path to uncover the mystery surrounding her parentage, when all she ever wanted was her Daddy's love.
Amber, a slightly older character, must battle the scars left behind by a childhood of misery and abuse; all she wants is to escape the shadow of her father, but it seems that everywhere she turns, she's reminded of him. She's moved across the entire country and that still isn't far enough - until she begins to find solace in her art.
Their paths cross, and secrets begin to come unraveled. A much shiny book that tackles deep issues and still realistically concludes with a feel-good ending, this book actually inspired one of my short stories, which ended up selling second time out. I'll tell you which one after it's been published - don't want to jinx it :D
Oh, and I should mention that this is a Christian novel. Rare that I find Christian fiction to be well-written, but Stokes seems to manage it - even if her books are all kind of the same.
The younger character's (sorry, can't remember names right now - she's early 20s, though) mother dies, sending her life into a tailspin, and setting her on a determined path to uncover the mystery surrounding her parentage, when all she ever wanted was her Daddy's love.
Amber, a slightly older character, must battle the scars left behind by a childhood of misery and abuse; all she wants is to escape the shadow of her father, but it seems that everywhere she turns, she's reminded of him. She's moved across the entire country and that still isn't far enough - until she begins to find solace in her art.
Their paths cross, and secrets begin to come unraveled. A much shiny book that tackles deep issues and still realistically concludes with a feel-good ending, this book actually inspired one of my short stories, which ended up selling second time out. I'll tell you which one after it's been published - don't want to jinx it :D
Oh, and I should mention that this is a Christian novel. Rare that I find Christian fiction to be well-written, but Stokes seems to manage it - even if her books are all kind of the same.
October 27, 2019
I'm torn between giving this a 3 or 4 star review. The author wrestles with some serious issues and as a whole, I believe she did well. The story line is well executed and the character development is palpable.
There was one line in the book that almost ruined it all for me: follow your heart. NO, NO NO. Such a dangerous phrase...
That said, Stokes tackles tragedy, grief and healing remarkably. Time doesn't heal, but the good and loving Father does. He brings beauty from ashes, gladness from mourning, and peace from despair.
There was one line in the book that almost ruined it all for me: follow your heart. NO, NO NO. Such a dangerous phrase...
That said, Stokes tackles tragedy, grief and healing remarkably. Time doesn't heal, but the good and loving Father does. He brings beauty from ashes, gladness from mourning, and peace from despair.
May 12, 2011
I took so long to finish this book. No offense to the book, but sometimes it's hard to do all the things I need to do, like read. As for the book, it addressed the issue of sibling relationships, parent-child relationships and rebuilding a relationship with God. Overall, good book, but not great. I did appreciate the sensitivity that the author gave to the subject of hidden problems that sometimes come to light after a death.
September 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book so why am I giving it only 2 stars? Ahh it's hard because I liked the idea of what the story was about however once the mystery was revealed it should have really had a conclusion and ended . But the author ruins the book with the crazy what I would call after story that never ends! And of course has this incredible happy ending that is so far fetched . Why? It was going soo well... felt a bit frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2013
I found this book was well written, and the characters were interesting enough. However, it was a little more christian than I prefer, and I called the big shocking twist within the first couple of chapters. I was still compelled to keep reading, though, and wanted to know what would happen, so in that aspect it was pretty good.
June 3, 2013
This book seemed to drag on a bit and was a fairly predictable but an enjoyable reading. The tale of two sisters who were separated for nearly 20 years through family secrets are reunited to learn unknown and powerful secrets about their relationship that help them piece their lives together and move forward towards healing and healthy relationships with each other and others.
November 3, 2008
This is a good book, not what I expected but good. It is about healing from a terrible wrong done to someone and the consequenses of that wrong on other people as well. I liked it and cruised through it in about 6 hours.
April 10, 2010
What a sweet book! I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up from the library for $1. I was a book on tape. It was an intriguing book. I thought I had it figured out but it was fun to find out if I had or not. Some of it I got right and other parts I did not. Good, clean book.
September 17, 2012
Some of the clueless reviews I see are the reason I have learned to be careful about revealing anything. Yes, it ended well - after more than 20 years of hell for Amber and Diedre. It isn't over yet either. These things never really are. Recovery is a life-long work in progress.
November 26, 2008
I just finished listening to this book and really liked it. It dealt with a sensitive and difficult subject but showed how good things can come out of bad situations.
February 23, 2009
A riveting read that will keep you up nights. Faith in the midst of tragedy helps two young women find their way back to normalcy.
April 17, 2009
This was pretty predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
December 23, 2009
The premise for this book really pissed me off
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews