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Secrets and Lies
Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of poor communication and neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it's truly in God's will for them to stay married. Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago? In her debut novel, Secrets and Lies, Rhonda McKnight delivers unforgettable characters and page-turning drama about a couple whose troubled marriage is pushed to its limits amidst secrets, lies, and an enemy set on revenge.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda McKnight
42 books815 followersEven as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2009
Clogged Arteries
Faith is a mother, wife, daughter and friend. She uses her day to help uplift, motivate and encourage others. Along the lines, she feels as if something is missing. Seeking employment outside of the home just may be the answer to the numbness she's feeling, though Jonah, her husband of ten years, has made it clear that he makes more than enough money to support their household and a couple of others. Faith's hands may soon be filled with all types of impending drama.
Jonah is a father, son, and pediatric cardiologist. While he may be something spectacular in his field, he's pretty absent in his home. When the past is drudged up, Jonah finds himself seeking the bottle rather than allowing God's will to flourish. With secrets, unresolved issues and regret looming, Jonah finds himself caught up in a huge mess and alone.
While the Morgans have been married for ten years, there is still a lot that they both need to learn about themselves as well as the other. When their faith is tested, bond is broken and their love compromised, it's up to the two of them to submit and allow God to renew them. Are they ready to deal with this battle?
Newcomer, Rhonda McKnight, has penned a wonderful, encouraging and uplifting story about forgiveness, love and understanding. I loved the characters, the story and love that easily flows from each page. Definitely a book worthy of a recommendation!
Reviewed by: Crystal
Faith is a mother, wife, daughter and friend. She uses her day to help uplift, motivate and encourage others. Along the lines, she feels as if something is missing. Seeking employment outside of the home just may be the answer to the numbness she's feeling, though Jonah, her husband of ten years, has made it clear that he makes more than enough money to support their household and a couple of others. Faith's hands may soon be filled with all types of impending drama.
Jonah is a father, son, and pediatric cardiologist. While he may be something spectacular in his field, he's pretty absent in his home. When the past is drudged up, Jonah finds himself seeking the bottle rather than allowing God's will to flourish. With secrets, unresolved issues and regret looming, Jonah finds himself caught up in a huge mess and alone.
While the Morgans have been married for ten years, there is still a lot that they both need to learn about themselves as well as the other. When their faith is tested, bond is broken and their love compromised, it's up to the two of them to submit and allow God to renew them. Are they ready to deal with this battle?
Newcomer, Rhonda McKnight, has penned a wonderful, encouraging and uplifting story about forgiveness, love and understanding. I loved the characters, the story and love that easily flows from each page. Definitely a book worthy of a recommendation!
Reviewed by: Crystal
December 24, 2009
Secrets and Lies was compulsively readable. I kept wanting to see what would happen next. I loved how the author showed how bitterness can keep you from truly giving your heart to others and enjoying close relationships with them. I also loved how she showed that deep-set hurts going back to childhood can influence adults' lives in the present day until the past is dealt with and forgiveness occurs. That was very well done. And while not very edgy, I found the story very genuine and real. It's obvious the author understands relationships and human frailty.
I really loved the true-to-life conflicts and those husband and wife scenes when they were enjoying good times together. Those scenes made me smile. I couldn't relate to Faith all that much because I'm not one to harbor anger against someone and bitch at them when they are already feeling low, but I have been in her shoes where I've been confused and not sure what to do about situations. I also know a lot of people like her who handle things the way she did.
I think I identified most with Jonah because I saw how he chose to ignore so many things that would bring him pain if he dealt with them. A lot of men are just like Jonah. They avoid issues rather than dealing with them head on. And like the Biblical Jonah, this poor guy had to be sucked into a nasty fish's belly full of life's troubles to realize just how bad he'd let things get. The relief he felt when he was finally spit up on the beach and given another chance to heal and make things right was truly moving. Same with the whole underlying story regarding Amadi.
Secrets and Lies made me cry real tears, which is why this story is making my best of 2009 list. I could not set the book aside and I had to finish it. Plus, the story moved my heart. Those are the two main qualities that make it an excellent novel to me. I highly recommend it.
I really loved the true-to-life conflicts and those husband and wife scenes when they were enjoying good times together. Those scenes made me smile. I couldn't relate to Faith all that much because I'm not one to harbor anger against someone and bitch at them when they are already feeling low, but I have been in her shoes where I've been confused and not sure what to do about situations. I also know a lot of people like her who handle things the way she did.
I think I identified most with Jonah because I saw how he chose to ignore so many things that would bring him pain if he dealt with them. A lot of men are just like Jonah. They avoid issues rather than dealing with them head on. And like the Biblical Jonah, this poor guy had to be sucked into a nasty fish's belly full of life's troubles to realize just how bad he'd let things get. The relief he felt when he was finally spit up on the beach and given another chance to heal and make things right was truly moving. Same with the whole underlying story regarding Amadi.
Secrets and Lies made me cry real tears, which is why this story is making my best of 2009 list. I could not set the book aside and I had to finish it. Plus, the story moved my heart. Those are the two main qualities that make it an excellent novel to me. I highly recommend it.
October 14, 2018
The title of this book is exactly what it was...secrets and lies. Faith and Jonah are a married couple who are experiencing a turbulent 10th year of marriage. Jonah is a workaholic; however, his wife is oblivious to his constant drive to work as hard as he does. Faith is a stay at home wife who is frustrated and feels like a single mother. Their arguments are filled with low blows, broken promises and snide remarks. Only the power of God can help them, but they both have to turn to Him. I love the advice from both of their mothers, Christian women who trust in the Lord and try to instill those same values in their children. Both Faith and Jonah had to take a look in the mirror to see their faults, especially when Jonah's upstanding career and reputation was at risk. This is a great that shows that communication and trust must take place in any relationship. Both partners must be able to express themselves, whether the news is good or bad. That same news may just draw you closer as you weather the storm together. Great read!
December 21, 2024
This was a page turner, I finished it in one day, a very rare occurence for me, especially with fiction books. I found this book in the most unexpected place- one of my neighbourhood's little free libraries. What's even more unexpected is that this is an African American Christian Fiction book! A genre I had no clue existed before! It led me to finding more books of the same author and genre and read about 10 of them over the summer! Pleasant find for sure :)
December 1, 2017
Excellent! I am shocked that this is a first novel. Great job with the plot, pace and characters. I can see this as a movie by TD Jakes. Complex inner issues covered, marital issues and more! Loved it. Looking for more by this author.
May 11, 2023
Great Read
TGBTG! Faith and Jonah both barely live up to their names. Both hurting and then hurting one another. Jesus step in before these two shipwreck their lives permanently. God will take you to the bottom and bring you back again.
TGBTG! Faith and Jonah both barely live up to their names. Both hurting and then hurting one another. Jesus step in before these two shipwreck their lives permanently. God will take you to the bottom and bring you back again.
August 27, 2010
Secrets and Lies is the emotional story of a marriage falling apart. Jonah Morgan is a pediatric cardiologist who works too hard, drinks too much, and shares too little with his spouse. His wife Faith is trying to walk in the word and live up to her name. But when her husband's drunken rage threatens to hurt her son, she takes the kids and moves out.
There was a lot of bitterness and resentment on both Faith and Jonah's parts. The author does an excellent job portraying those emotions, because I felt as if I were going through this separation with them. Since the destruction of their marriage seemed so authentic, I found this a tough read.
But the author gives us breaks of levity in this novel- sparks of snarky humor that revolve around Jonah's gold digging coworker, Samaria, whose breasts could have been a main character.
I dog-eared some of my favorite lines:
p. 114 "Faith...watched Samaria pull on the sides of her bra. Samaria was wasting her time. Those babies weren't getting back in there."
p. 128 "With each step she took, her huge breasts were closing the space between them. If they could talk, they would be chanting, "Touch us."
Mcknight is a solid writer and I can honestly say I liked the book. She did an effective job of telling Faith and Jonah's story which ultimately has a happy ending. My taste leans more toward 'sweep you off your feet' romance though, and this novel did not fall into that category.
(I received a review copy from the author)
There was a lot of bitterness and resentment on both Faith and Jonah's parts. The author does an excellent job portraying those emotions, because I felt as if I were going through this separation with them. Since the destruction of their marriage seemed so authentic, I found this a tough read.
But the author gives us breaks of levity in this novel- sparks of snarky humor that revolve around Jonah's gold digging coworker, Samaria, whose breasts could have been a main character.
I dog-eared some of my favorite lines:
p. 114 "Faith...watched Samaria pull on the sides of her bra. Samaria was wasting her time. Those babies weren't getting back in there."
p. 128 "With each step she took, her huge breasts were closing the space between them. If they could talk, they would be chanting, "Touch us."
Mcknight is a solid writer and I can honestly say I liked the book. She did an effective job of telling Faith and Jonah's story which ultimately has a happy ending. My taste leans more toward 'sweep you off your feet' romance though, and this novel did not fall into that category.
(I received a review copy from the author)
February 3, 2012
In the beginning, Faith expected and whined too much for my liking in the marriage. She knew she married a doctor, Jonah, and he would have a meticulous and crazy schedule. He also married her, as a single mother, to father a child that was not his. Yet, what moved me the most as I continued to read, was Jonah how he became a cardiologist (heart specialist) because of his childhood memory of losing his dear brother, Joshua, in the same respect. He wanted to offer pro bono to a child around the age and similar condition as his brother had, and prayerfully this time he would be able to save a life that was once lost. Sometimes, these very things is what moves us into the career path or callings with a sincere heart and passion to do what we love most, or because of what we lost most to push through adversity to be there for someone else.
"..a praying woman doesn't move in her common sense and free will. She movies in God's will." (page 170).
I admired a faithful man; had heart issues (spiritually and emotionally) and later got a heart transplant (forgiveness and seeking Jesus). He was able to also reconcile his differences with employee and wife and children. This is what wooed me the most of this book too.
4.5 stars.
"..a praying woman doesn't move in her common sense and free will. She movies in God's will." (page 170).
I admired a faithful man; had heart issues (spiritually and emotionally) and later got a heart transplant (forgiveness and seeking Jesus). He was able to also reconcile his differences with employee and wife and children. This is what wooed me the most of this book too.
4.5 stars.
August 18, 2010
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This book is simply delicious! I love christian fiction, but I think this is the first African American Christian Fiction book I've read and Rhonda McKnight has OUTDONE herself in writing this book. It's real, relevant, exciting, edge of your seat reading. The book is not "preachy" but has a consisent "pulse" on the message of forgiveness and salvation. A MUST READ!!!!
I'm not even done yet and felt I had to write about the book as I feel right NOW. I should be done by tonight because I can't stand the suspense in finding out how the book ends. I'm looking forward to reading more of Rhonda McKnight and already have the next book ready and waiting.
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I started this book on August 7th, but only read the first 6 chapters. I picked it back up on August 14th for some serious reading time and got through 30 chapters. I completed in on the morning of August 18th.
I'm not even done yet and felt I had to write about the book as I feel right NOW. I should be done by tonight because I can't stand the suspense in finding out how the book ends. I'm looking forward to reading more of Rhonda McKnight and already have the next book ready and waiting.
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I started this book on August 7th, but only read the first 6 chapters. I picked it back up on August 14th for some serious reading time and got through 30 chapters. I completed in on the morning of August 18th.
September 24, 2010
I really enjoyed this novel by Ms. McKnight. I loved how she used the characters to depict how unforgiveness and bitterness can derail the many blessings we are given by God, even when we have experienced tragedies. This novel really hit home for me. The message of how God's grace can really heal us of anything was a wonderful reminder that we shouldn't stay rooted in bitterness because God can turn anything negative around for our good. It was a wonderful novel that I couldn't put down once I found the time to really get into it.
December 5, 2013
It took me awhile to get into this book...The first half of the book is very detailed and gives you background on the characters but it was a LOT of information. You need it later and I'm not sure it could have been left out, but I was just ready to get to the nitty gritty. When I did though...boy oh boy! There was a lot going on and sadly...some things that were kept secret far too long. Lots of healing to be done but it was a great story once i got through the beginning...First read by Ms. Mcknight...not the last though...
April 28, 2010
This book touches on what so many of us struggle with. Doubt, Faith and trust in God. We doubt that things will turn out the way God has promised. We lack the Faith in God to bring us through it and we say we trust God through all of this and our actions suggest otherwise; UNTIL God slaps us upside the head and makes us pay attention that we don't run anything. This is a good read and I won't tell you about the book you need to go pick it up if any of what I just said sounds like you.
February 14, 2015
Excellent
Loved this book. Jonah was a hard one to get to. Faith was just as difficult but in a different way. This book was well written and just pulls you in. You will enjoy it from beginning to the very end. I would highly recommend this book.
Loved this book. Jonah was a hard one to get to. Faith was just as difficult but in a different way. This book was well written and just pulls you in. You will enjoy it from beginning to the very end. I would highly recommend this book.
Want to read
February 9, 2010just got mine. Will be diving in as soon as possible
February 29, 2012
Book was an amazing read couldnt put it down.. Characters were real able to relate.
September 22, 2013
Enjoyed the book greatly. The characters were real. Ms. Knight did a great job!
February 6, 2016
Wonderful book!
I think this was my favorite book by this author! It has increased my faith! Thank God both Jonah and Faith had praying mothers!
I think this was my favorite book by this author! It has increased my faith! Thank God both Jonah and Faith had praying mothers!
April 23, 2017
This was a pretty good read it was emotional for me also. I felt Jonah pain and it hurt that faith was questioning should she believe him. Jonah had a lot of issues but he resolved them with the help of god. Samaria has too much going on......Im glad April finally came around and told the truth she had issues she needed help with also. But I would recommend this book
May 8, 2017
This was a good read. Jonah had a lot on his plate dealing with the loss of his twin brother at such a very young age. Faith was upset when she found out he was keeping secrets but no one can truly understand unless they are going thru that situation.. I don't think his dad was so wrong about not signing the papers because the man down graded him.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews