{Litfuse Blog Tour} The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Book Description:  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.

My Review:  The story begins with Sheila playing the piano, trying to get her practice in before choir practice at the church. The church where her husband pastors.  And then she receives a phone call.  A call that she's waited for and wondered about for years.  As the story progresses the reader awaits with bated breath to see what is going to happen.  The secret that Sheila has hidden for years comes to visit her.  A son!  

Thankfully her pastor husband, Edward must leave for a speaking engagement which leaves Sheila at home by herself.  This is where the story takes off . . . the intrigue, the secrets, the shame and the forgiveness.

I'll be honest I really didn't care for Sheila's husband, Edward, at the beginning of the read.  He seemed so pompous, high-minded and totally full of himself.  But as the story progresses Edward becomes a tower of strength of Sheila.

Ah!  The rhythm of the music in this read is pure New Orleans.  The jazz, the classics and of course, the music of the church. 
It's hard to believe that people can be so narrow minded and so biased against another human.  The color of one's skin should not be the justification of the person's heart.  At times I simply seethed with indignation (a great sign that an author can bring forth such emotion).  The injustices!  The hatred!  The selfishness!  The angry!  The love!  The forgiveness!

This is an incredible story!  The intrigue was almost too much to bear at times.  I felt tears well up in my eyes as I read about Sheila's life as a girl.  But the most intriguing part of this whole read is that it is based upon the true story of a true-to-life-girl just like Sheila.  And that is why my heart was stirred. 

This is one of those not.to.be.missed.reads!  But do set aside time for this read because this read requires concentration and you'll want...no, need to finish this story!  A 5 star read for those who enjoy intrigue, adventure and forgiveness. 

*This book was provided for review by the publisher for LitFuse Group*

Click HERE  to see what other bloggers are saying about this book.

Patti's Giveaway:

Patti and her publisher, Kregel, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

* A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi

* $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. 

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

But, wait there’s more! Come to the Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party on February 16th!

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at her Party on FB February 16th! She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)!

Patti Lacy

***Click HERE to hear music from The Rhythm of Secrets***