What do you think?
Rate this book
A House Divided
Corbin Gage can stand up to anyone . . . But his own divided house will bring him to his knees.
Corbin, a longtime legal champion for the downtrodden, is slowly drinking himself into the grave. His love for “mountain water” has cost him his marriage to the godliest woman he knows, ruined his relationship with his daughter, Roxy, and reduced the business at his small Georgia law firm to a level where he can barely keep the bill collectors at bay. But it isn’t until his son, Ray, threatens to limit Corbin’s time with his grandson that Corbin begins to acknowledge he might have a problem.
Despite the mess that surrounds his personal life and against the advice of everyone he knows, Corbin takes on a high-stakes tort case on behalf of two boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. The lawsuit becomes a tornado that sucks Corbin, Ray, and Roxy into an increasingly deadly vortex. Equally intense pressure within the family threatens to destroy, once and for all, the thin threads that connect them.
Corbin must find the strength to stand up to his personal demons. Justice for two dying boys depends on it . . . his family depends on it.
“Fans of John Grisham will find much to like here.”
—Library Journal of The Confession
Corbin, a longtime legal champion for the downtrodden, is slowly drinking himself into the grave. His love for “mountain water” has cost him his marriage to the godliest woman he knows, ruined his relationship with his daughter, Roxy, and reduced the business at his small Georgia law firm to a level where he can barely keep the bill collectors at bay. But it isn’t until his son, Ray, threatens to limit Corbin’s time with his grandson that Corbin begins to acknowledge he might have a problem.
Despite the mess that surrounds his personal life and against the advice of everyone he knows, Corbin takes on a high-stakes tort case on behalf of two boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. The lawsuit becomes a tornado that sucks Corbin, Ray, and Roxy into an increasingly deadly vortex. Equally intense pressure within the family threatens to destroy, once and for all, the thin threads that connect them.
Corbin must find the strength to stand up to his personal demons. Justice for two dying boys depends on it . . . his family depends on it.
“Fans of John Grisham will find much to like here.”
—Library Journal of The Confession
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
258 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Robert Whitlow
49 books966 followersRobert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 15, 2015
Robert Whitlow's A House Divided is another winner from one of my favorite authors.
Corbin Gage's drinking has damaged many things in his life. It destroyed his marriage and has left him distant from his grown up children. His one joy in life is spending time with his grandson, but his drinking has possibly put that in jeopardy.
Following the death of his ex-wife (who he never stopped loving), Corbin finds himself increasingly facing the reality of his drinking and its impact on his life -- both personally and professionally. When a huge case, involving the large employer in his small Georgia community possibly contaminating the local water supply and making some kids very sick, Corbin is forced to up his game -- and not just on the legal front.
As Corbin takes the first steps to sobriety, he finds that his decisions are having an impact on his family. His son finds his legal career and plans quickly taking a different path because of Corbin's involvement with the case. And his daughter who lives in Atlanta finds herself struggling with issues related to how Corbin treated his family as she pursues her legal career and a new man in her life who wants to love her completely and share his life with her. But can she trust him or will she let him in?
Whitlow ably balances the stories of Corbin and his family. In his best novels, Whitlow is able to make his characters utterly human and very relatable. And while the journey each one takes isn't a smooth one, it's still one that leads to a point that feels completely authentic and earned. Whitlow writes novels with flawed characters who, despite coming to a deeper relationship with Christ, don't become any less flawed. Even after Corbin becomes sober, he still faces the temptation to drink again, made even more abundant by the stresses in his life. We also see that Corbin's family is happy to see their father taking these steps, but still not trusting if they will take this time.
Honestly, I could have spent a hundred or two more pages with Corbin and his family. I know that Whitlow generally doesn't write series, instead allowing us to enjoy the journey with the characters over the course of one novel. But if he wants to spend more time with Corbin and his family, I won't object.
Another great novel from one of the best writers out there today.
I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Corbin Gage's drinking has damaged many things in his life. It destroyed his marriage and has left him distant from his grown up children. His one joy in life is spending time with his grandson, but his drinking has possibly put that in jeopardy.
Following the death of his ex-wife (who he never stopped loving), Corbin finds himself increasingly facing the reality of his drinking and its impact on his life -- both personally and professionally. When a huge case, involving the large employer in his small Georgia community possibly contaminating the local water supply and making some kids very sick, Corbin is forced to up his game -- and not just on the legal front.
As Corbin takes the first steps to sobriety, he finds that his decisions are having an impact on his family. His son finds his legal career and plans quickly taking a different path because of Corbin's involvement with the case. And his daughter who lives in Atlanta finds herself struggling with issues related to how Corbin treated his family as she pursues her legal career and a new man in her life who wants to love her completely and share his life with her. But can she trust him or will she let him in?
Whitlow ably balances the stories of Corbin and his family. In his best novels, Whitlow is able to make his characters utterly human and very relatable. And while the journey each one takes isn't a smooth one, it's still one that leads to a point that feels completely authentic and earned. Whitlow writes novels with flawed characters who, despite coming to a deeper relationship with Christ, don't become any less flawed. Even after Corbin becomes sober, he still faces the temptation to drink again, made even more abundant by the stresses in his life. We also see that Corbin's family is happy to see their father taking these steps, but still not trusting if they will take this time.
Honestly, I could have spent a hundred or two more pages with Corbin and his family. I know that Whitlow generally doesn't write series, instead allowing us to enjoy the journey with the characters over the course of one novel. But if he wants to spend more time with Corbin and his family, I won't object.
Another great novel from one of the best writers out there today.
I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
Sometimes reading books published by a Christian publisher or featured in Christian book club mailer (this book is published by Thomas Nelson, which is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.) can be surprising. I recently read two books by Steven James, "Placebo" and "Singularity", both promoted by a Christian book club mailer, and given to me as gifts. Both were too violent for my taste, and neither seemed particularly "Christian" other than people go to church on occasion (as does half the population of the USA) and pray (as does 99% of the population). But "A House Divided" (also a gift to me) is indeed very spiritual, and is more of a spiritual book than a courtroom/lawyer drama. This one kept me reading: an alcoholic faces his demon ("mountain water") while another demon (cleverly referred to as " well water" which may or may not be poisoned by a local company) comes into play. This is an easy, enjoyable read with a spiritual ending one might wish for, and a legal ending which is truly a surprise. Whitlow isn't a genius with dialogue, but he's very good with his twisting plot points, and he kept me intrigued for two afternoons. If you are looking for something deeply spiritual, you will like this one.
August 1, 2024
New to me author Robert Whitlow has a mini mash-up of Erin Brokovich and John Grisham.
Corbin Graves is battling a 40-year old alcohol addiction. When a case involving two young boys with cancer happens across his office, he is in a David vs Goliath courtroom fight. All while he tries to deal with his adult children who are both lawyers themselves, their lives become professionally entwined in his case while trying to deal with the fall out of a childhood of angst.
Corbin starts AA and realizes it's a start. A family ripping and mending. A family brought together by faith.
Narration was o.k.
Corbin Graves is battling a 40-year old alcohol addiction. When a case involving two young boys with cancer happens across his office, he is in a David vs Goliath courtroom fight. All while he tries to deal with his adult children who are both lawyers themselves, their lives become professionally entwined in his case while trying to deal with the fall out of a childhood of angst.
Corbin starts AA and realizes it's a start. A family ripping and mending. A family brought together by faith.
Narration was o.k.
September 12, 2015
Oh my goodness, how much do I love Robert Whitlow's books? This much...(outstretched arms). "A House Divided" is just as awesome as his others. A long time attorney dealing with alcoholism, the effects it has on his family as well as the family's inner demons will touch your heart. So well written with characters that are so real. Legal issues, relationships jeopardized, make healing difficult. A well written story.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2015
Robert Whitlow is one of my favorite writers. I've read everything that he has written. I love that he tackled the serious issues of alcoholism and its role in family dysfunction. At the beginning of the story it is so painful to see the broken family relationships. We have to go through the nosedive of Corbin's life. The book chronicles the path of healing for Corbin and his children. I love the relationship that Corbin has with his grandson. It gives you hope for Corbin's other relationships.
March 12, 2019
Wow. What a thriller! So good! Reminds me of a good Grisham book.
June 1, 2022
I would venture to add a half star to the 3 I gave this book. Robert Whitlow is a talented writer, drawing you into the story and wanting more. There is no awkwardness and the words flow easily! This story is pretty blatant from the beginning....what is going to happen and how it will end. That is why this didn't get 4 stars. I enjoyed the plot and the people in the story. It became a little too preachy as it drew to the last 100 pages....its a long book!
I liked it, and enjoyed myself reading it!
I liked it, and enjoyed myself reading it!
July 15, 2017
I always enjoy Robert Whitlow's books and this one did not disappoint. I will be looking for another of his stories soon.
June 2, 2024
Great Book
Robert Whitlow tells a story with so much passion you can fell the character’s pain and joy. Corbin’s journey through his battle with alcohol was well told. The effects it had on his children are the consequences of his bad decisions. Thankfully this story has a happy ending.
Robert Whitlow tells a story with so much passion you can fell the character’s pain and joy. Corbin’s journey through his battle with alcohol was well told. The effects it had on his children are the consequences of his bad decisions. Thankfully this story has a happy ending.
August 31, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Southern attorney and storyteller, Robert Whitlow, author of The Confession, follows with A HOUSE DIVIDED, a mix of family and legal drama, featuring a rural Georgia lawyer in trouble with an alcohol addiction.
Corbin Gage, age sixty-two years old, is damaged. He has been drinking for over forty years. Alcohol has ruined his marriage, and his family. He is no longer close to his family and puts himself at risk with spending time with his much loved grandson, Billy.
His grown children Ray and Roxie, are also attorneys and they hope and pray their dad will change his ways before it is too late. His personal life and professional life has suffered due to the bottle.
Corbin takes on a toxic tort case, on behalf of three boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. Because of the lawsuit, Ray’s is forced to work with his father. Roxy’s Atlanta expertise in complex litigation draws her into the drama.
The three have to work together for the good of the community and those innocent victims involved. Can Corbin stay strong enough to make it through the temptation, without a beer, or a shot of whiskey? Will he be able to face his demons while trying to save those in harm’s way; while at the same time, salvage his own family, and redeem himself?
As always, Whitlow delves into the lives of flawed characters, with everyday stresses and temptations. The strong bonds of family with an inspiring, powerful spiritual connection. Ultimately forgiveness, hope, and redemption.
A native of Charlotte, NC, having spent 20 years of my professional life in Atlanta, always enjoy the Atlanta and Georgia landmarks- revisiting familiar places.
JDCMustReadBooks
Southern attorney and storyteller, Robert Whitlow, author of The Confession, follows with A HOUSE DIVIDED, a mix of family and legal drama, featuring a rural Georgia lawyer in trouble with an alcohol addiction.
Corbin Gage, age sixty-two years old, is damaged. He has been drinking for over forty years. Alcohol has ruined his marriage, and his family. He is no longer close to his family and puts himself at risk with spending time with his much loved grandson, Billy.
His grown children Ray and Roxie, are also attorneys and they hope and pray their dad will change his ways before it is too late. His personal life and professional life has suffered due to the bottle.
Corbin takes on a toxic tort case, on behalf of three boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. Because of the lawsuit, Ray’s is forced to work with his father. Roxy’s Atlanta expertise in complex litigation draws her into the drama.
The three have to work together for the good of the community and those innocent victims involved. Can Corbin stay strong enough to make it through the temptation, without a beer, or a shot of whiskey? Will he be able to face his demons while trying to save those in harm’s way; while at the same time, salvage his own family, and redeem himself?
As always, Whitlow delves into the lives of flawed characters, with everyday stresses and temptations. The strong bonds of family with an inspiring, powerful spiritual connection. Ultimately forgiveness, hope, and redemption.
A native of Charlotte, NC, having spent 20 years of my professional life in Atlanta, always enjoy the Atlanta and Georgia landmarks- revisiting familiar places.
JDCMustReadBooks
August 10, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Every time I read a legal novel, I have to wonder why I don’t read the genre more often - it always manages to keep me fascinated with drama from start to finish and I’m not usually disappointed. This certainly applies to Robert Whitlow’s intriguing new novel, A House Divided. After burying its matriarch, a dysfunctional family of lawyers embarks on a much-needed time of healing, faith and forgiveness. Each main character has clearly established flaws and interacts with the legal profession differently than the others, yet they all go about their daily lives and one major case sparks changes - in the individuals and the family as a whole. A House Divided is an interesting and engaging story that offers plenty of surprises within its pages and I couldn't help but root for the Gage family. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and I think it’s definitely worth a read.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A House Divided and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Every time I read a legal novel, I have to wonder why I don’t read the genre more often - it always manages to keep me fascinated with drama from start to finish and I’m not usually disappointed. This certainly applies to Robert Whitlow’s intriguing new novel, A House Divided. After burying its matriarch, a dysfunctional family of lawyers embarks on a much-needed time of healing, faith and forgiveness. Each main character has clearly established flaws and interacts with the legal profession differently than the others, yet they all go about their daily lives and one major case sparks changes - in the individuals and the family as a whole. A House Divided is an interesting and engaging story that offers plenty of surprises within its pages and I couldn't help but root for the Gage family. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and I think it’s definitely worth a read.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A House Divided and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
September 14, 2017
Have you ever wanted to see God change a life? To be a silent witness to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever prayed and prayed and prayed, but felt like it made no difference? If so, you really need to read A House Divided.
I have a list of what I consider "must read" authors, and Robert Whitlow is on that list. His knowledge of the law and all things legal give his stories a solid foundation. His characters are flawed, and one or more of them embark on a journey, and they invite you to come along.
But the main reason I love a Robert Whitlow novel is the thread of faith that winds through every page, authentic and unapologetic, touching every aspect of every character in the tale.
Which includes the reader. You cannot read a Whitlow book and walk away unchanged. At some point you stop being an observer and become a participant. You are transformed by what you read, and that is a very good thing.
I was so proud of myself. I read all the way to the final chapter, and the final pages of the chapter without crying. But I've seen the impact of alcohol on the lives of the ones I love, and I wept. I had to wait for the tears to stop flowing before I could finish the book.
That's powerful, purposeful writing. That's Robert Whitlow.
I have a list of what I consider "must read" authors, and Robert Whitlow is on that list. His knowledge of the law and all things legal give his stories a solid foundation. His characters are flawed, and one or more of them embark on a journey, and they invite you to come along.
But the main reason I love a Robert Whitlow novel is the thread of faith that winds through every page, authentic and unapologetic, touching every aspect of every character in the tale.
Which includes the reader. You cannot read a Whitlow book and walk away unchanged. At some point you stop being an observer and become a participant. You are transformed by what you read, and that is a very good thing.
I was so proud of myself. I read all the way to the final chapter, and the final pages of the chapter without crying. But I've seen the impact of alcohol on the lives of the ones I love, and I wept. I had to wait for the tears to stop flowing before I could finish the book.
That's powerful, purposeful writing. That's Robert Whitlow.
May 14, 2022
I enjoy all of Robert Whitlow's books. They are filled with legal jargon - but the characters also have faith-based discoveries throughout.
June 13, 2017
As always, Robert Whitlow delivered a great story with mystery and an important court case. This one involved the dynamics of a family and the affect of alcohol abuse on the relationships. But God is a God of second chances and throughout the story you wonder if Colton will take the open door to God. This story also shows the great changes that AA and the 12 steps can make in someone's life.
March 24, 2018
This book had some great things going for it. It is divided between Legal Drama & Family Drama. Both work together to create the tone of the story. There is a focus on overcoming addiction and was presented in a real-life way. The characters develop through trials and spiritual awakening.
The ending was lacking something for me. It did end well but just seemed to be missing something.
The ending was lacking something for me. It did end well but just seemed to be missing something.
March 24, 2019
I have read many of Robert Whitlow's books and this was one of the best I've read of his. I like legal thrillers and this one was at least as good as any John Grisham especially with tackling alcoholism. This is a wonderful book of redemption, God's grace, and forgiveness. My husband and I listened to this on a long distance trip and made the trip go by much quicker.
July 27, 2020
I am a fan of John Greshem and this book was compared to his. I'm my mind it was just as good if not better!! I am not too familiar with AA.but I definitely think it was portrayed well I'm this book.The interaction of the main characters was well done. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
November 15, 2021
Another winner by Whitlow
Those of us who haven't had perfect parents or a perfect childhood can resonate with this story. Forgiveness and unforgiveness on multiple levels is a running theme. The evils of toxins to the environment as well as the toxic effects of alcohol to a family ring true and are very relatable.
Those of us who haven't had perfect parents or a perfect childhood can resonate with this story. Forgiveness and unforgiveness on multiple levels is a running theme. The evils of toxins to the environment as well as the toxic effects of alcohol to a family ring true and are very relatable.
November 27, 2022
Not Easy to Put Down
Robert Whitlow is a master storyteller, drawing on his legal career as well as his faith in God. He is able to convey a gripping story without into the cesspool of elements that typically define much of modern crime fiction. This is my 6th or 7th Whitlow book and I plan to read the entire catalogue.
Robert Whitlow is a master storyteller, drawing on his legal career as well as his faith in God. He is able to convey a gripping story without into the cesspool of elements that typically define much of modern crime fiction. This is my 6th or 7th Whitlow book and I plan to read the entire catalogue.
March 9, 2016
The legal story and the family drama in this book was good. But the preachiness about AA and going back to church and finding God was a bit much for me. And it could have been about 50 pages shorter.
July 24, 2016
A book divided
AA vs legal thriller. Barely integrated and much of AA stuff sounded like a testimonial. Legal thriller started out great and just disappeared in a rush at end.
AA vs legal thriller. Barely integrated and much of AA stuff sounded like a testimonial. Legal thriller started out great and just disappeared in a rush at end.
January 29, 2017
Realistic Struggle
Good depiction of addiction and recovery. Shows how dysfunctional relationships can be healed with faith, prayer and commitment. Things will always be hard but with Christ the load is easier to carry.....even effortless if you surrender it all to him.
Good depiction of addiction and recovery. Shows how dysfunctional relationships can be healed with faith, prayer and commitment. Things will always be hard but with Christ the load is easier to carry.....even effortless if you surrender it all to him.
May 1, 2018
Great read!
As the daughter of an alcoholic and a lover of legal-thrillers, I found this book enjoyable to read. In addition, the lack of profanity and the continued references to God's character were refreshing for this believer's soul.
As the daughter of an alcoholic and a lover of legal-thrillers, I found this book enjoyable to read. In addition, the lack of profanity and the continued references to God's character were refreshing for this believer's soul.
July 30, 2018
A top 5 book, for sure. Family relationships can be a messy blessing, or just messy! Whitlow cuts them to the bone, and God heals them, totally. Beautifully imagined, written, authored, published. A MUST read, truly! I hate to give 5 stars, as there is no room up, but it's that good.
Read
June 1, 2019A lawyer struggling to hang on to his practice, rebuild a relationship with his family and overcome his addiction to alcohol. Can his grown children forgive him for all the past hurts? Equal parts family, faith, and taking on a chemical company in the courtroom.
August 11, 2021
Must read
This book is excellent. God is glorified. Truth revealed. Didn’t want to stop reading! Great character development and especially modeling of Christ-like character.
This book is excellent. God is glorified. Truth revealed. Didn’t want to stop reading! Great character development and especially modeling of Christ-like character.
December 1, 2021
Lawyer speak and expert witnesses vocabulary confused me, but i always identify with coming back to God. Robert Whitlow makes his stories so real!!!!
September 9, 2022
Thought provoking
So many spirituality and principles woven into story. Addictions are powerful but God can and will restore. Highly recommend this and any other Whitlow books.
So many spirituality and principles woven into story. Addictions are powerful but God can and will restore. Highly recommend this and any other Whitlow books.
November 8, 2022
first time reading Whitlow
I love books that reach the heart and a House Divided did that. His books are now on my radar and I’m anxious to read more.
I love books that reach the heart and a House Divided did that. His books are now on my radar and I’m anxious to read more.
March 2, 2024
I listened to this on Audible and it was good, but wasn’t as dramatic as some as his others. I really enjoy his books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews