Friday, January 28, 2011

The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Patti Lacy's writing theme is "Spanning Seas and Secrets" and her novel Rhythm of Secrets takes her brand of fiction to the absolute limit and back again.

The Rhythm of Secrets chronicles Sheila Franklin as she grows from precocious child in 1940's New Orleans to the respectable wife of a pastor who is on the cusp of the political grass roots conservative movement in 1969.

Her husband, Edward, has no idea that his lovely wife has allowed herself to be swallowed up in his dream to the point where she has lost the richness of her soul.  She has dutifully denied her passion and joie de vivre in exchange for safety and rules that will ensure that no hint- or even appearance- of sin or scandal will damage the congregation.

One day Sheila receives a phone call from a young soldier and the walls come tumbling down.

Secrets are exhumed and one by one they are revealed.  Sheila must choose between her safe, Christian life, or risk everything in order to reconcile her true self with the woman she has become.

Sheila Franklin's road to redemption is paved with loss, shattered dreams , star crossed lovers and unrepentant users.  Along the way, she finds help and love in unlikely places.  Signposts point the way, sometimes in neon, sometimes in random acts of kindness.

I was reminded of how God's grace flows through time, perhaps to help just one person become free of their chains and bondage.  He uses the ugliness of past mistakes in order to rescue one lost soul from the mire.

Patti's  love of the Crescent City or the Big Easy as it's sometimes called, its music and people gives a richness and depth to this story spanning the 1940's to the Vietnam era.

Patti Lacy's iconoclastic style confronts prejudice and invites the reader to break free of stereotypes and soar with the Saviour in grace and freedom.

Please read on for more about this wonderful book.











This week, the
 
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
 
is introducing
 
Rhythm of Secrets
 
Kregel Publications (December 22, 2010)
 
by
 
Patti Lacy
 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:





Patti Lacy, Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw. She has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, Illinois, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. For more information, visit Patti's website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites.  



ABOUT THE BOOK


Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame.


After marrying Edward, Sheila artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Sheila faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions.

Inspired by a true story, The Rhythm of Secrets intermingles jazz, classical, and sacred music in a symphony trumpeting God’s grace.

Endorsements:

“A vibrant journey across time in search of the greatest truth of all: grace.”—Tosca Lee, author of Havah: The Story of Eve and Demon: A Memoir



“No longer a ‘well-kept secret,’ Patti Lacy is a master storyteller who speaks to the soul with a powerful and unique rhythm, weaving a tale so emotionally rich that story and reader become one.”—Julie Lessman, author of The Daughters of Boston series and A Hope Undaunted
“Patti Lacy pens another beautifully written story in The Rhythm of Secrets. I couldn’t put it down!”—Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of The Black Cloister
“The Rhythm of Secrets is a stirring story of faith and endurance that will keep readers turning the page until every last secret is revealed.”—Tina Ann Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us and Rose House


If you would like to read an excerpt of Rhythm of Secrets, go HERE.

10 comments:

Patti Lacy said...

Cheryl, thank you for investing time in my writing, my passion--my secrets!!!

Blessings, dear one.
patti

Cheryl Klarich said...

Thank you Patti!
I loved this book and I pray that it gets into the hands of any one who has "lost" themselves. Sheila's story may just give such a one the courage to step out and reclaim the dream!

Patti Lacy said...

That is my prayer, too, Cheryl. I've already heard from a woman who gave away her child (a daughter) and reunited. May God have all the glory if this story reminds people of grace's triumph over legalism, of love that cannot be buried...of forgiveness and fresh starts with Christ.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Patti, Praise God!

I want to explore that kind of grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for thee for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Tabitha Bird said...

Patti is a wonderful friend of mine and I agree, her writing is amazing and everyone should read this book!

Thanks for joining my blog.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Tabitha, thanks for stopping by!

Your blog is exceptional! I look forward to visiting often.

Robyn Campbell said...

Such a wonderful post. I loves me Patti Lacy. She has been there for me whenever I ask her to be.

Wonderful post Cheryl. I can't wait to buy my copies. We all know how much Patti loves the secrets we women keep. ;)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Sounds like a great book. And Patti is a sweet friend. Would love to read 'The Rhythm of Secrets'. Have already told Patti, that I loved the title.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts Robyn! I agree with you whole heartedly!! I look forward to visiting your wonderful blog on a regular basis!

Blessings!!!

Cheryl Klarich said...

Rachna, hi!!!
So good to have you visit!
You won't be disappointed with this book. I promise!!!
Patti is an amazing writer- truly one of the best out there!