Customer Reviews

The Rhythm of Secrets: A Novel

5 star:		(43)
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3 star:		(2)
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Patti Lacy is one of those rare writers who puts everything out for examination. She doesn't just look at the pretty pieces of life, she looks at the bleak side, too. She knows that without experiencing the bitter, life wouldn't be half as sweet.

In The Rhythm of Secrets, we meet Sheila Franklin, a woman who has lived more lives than most of us could imagine. Tragic circumstances have taken away just about everyone she ever loved. Finally, in her role as wife to Edward, a conservative pastor, Sheila has found a sliver of peace. That is, until an unexpected phone threatens to tear down her carefully constructed facade.

From the streets of 1940's New Orleans to the jungles of Vietnam, Lacy delivers a story of God's undeniable grace, love and mercy. And she shows that sometimes, the only way to be delivered from your past is to embrace it. I highly recommend this moving novel.

Everyone has a "skeleton" in their closet. Sheila Franklin has been carefully standing in front of her closet door guarding its secrets since she left her treasured New Orleans. Like the haunting jazz music which she loves so much, she is haunted by the memories of a fire which took her parents and a decision which sent her north to hide her secret. Now grown and living what seems to be an ideal life as a pastor's wife, her closet door creaks open and all her secrets threaten to spill out when she receives a phone call. Not only will she have to reveal her secrets to her husband, but she will have to finally confirm to herself all that her life has held.

I have read both of Patti Lacy's previous books (An Irishwoman's Tale and What The Bayou Saw) and thought she couldn't write a better book. I was so wrong. Mrs. Lacy is an amazing example of what is truly meant by Christian fiction. This book not only touches your heart, but draws you in an intimate way. When I finished, I immediately began reading it again because there was so much depth to this book. I am ordering extra copies for friends because I can't bear to give my copy away!

I wish I had the words to truly express how much I loved this book, but Mrs. Lacy is the one with the gift for writing, not me.

"Jesus could free her from her past. Her present. Free her for the future." (p. 252)

This is a story of a woman who has lived three very different lifestyles in her forty-some-odd years. And now, at the juncture of these very different life experiences yet a fourth and final episode lies ahead. Traveling half-way around the world with a son she is just getting to know, and to save a life of a woman living in the hell of sexual slavery, Sheila discovers that God is ever-present in all of her circumstances - that indeed, He has been by her side for many years. And now that all of her past secrets are laid bare to the world, she discovers that God has redeemed those as well.

What an amazing story. Somewhere, in some scene or in the words of some character, every reader is going to recognize a part of their spiritual journey. They are going to recognize God's sovereignty in every event of their life. The Rhythm of Secrets is a virtual symphony that honors all that is Holy and Righteous about our Heavenly Father. It strips the mask of human judgment from every heart and shines the light of truth and Christ's love into the darkest human conditions.

I encourage you to experience this story. Your heart will be touched and challenged by the truth you will find there. Patti Lacy has done an excellent job with this story, and I know God will touch many with its message!

Wow. This book really hits home with me. Not that I live my life as three different woman. Not that I am full of secrets, either. It's just that Patti Lacy took an amazing plot line and turned it in to a real-to-life historical novel that immediately captured me. From the characters, to the secrecy to the tender, inspirational story line, Patti Lacy is a woman who knows what her readers want.

This is a book that you need to have a LOT of uninterrupted reading time with, because as the jazz music flows, the history comes to life and Sheila Franklin guards her secrets so carefully, that when her son, the baby she gave up for adoption long ago , comes to her in desperate need, she risks those moments of jazz, those moments of living her life as a pastor's wife, to do what ever she can to win back her son. Reading Shelia's story, I felt every emotional struggle that she dealt with, I could sit there and hear all the music and the thoughts that she thought....they were mine. I felt so much for Shelia's character. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and hug many times over, and to pray with her.

There were other issues woven into this beautiful story,like having a son that is bi-racial, prejudice, trust, God's amazing grace, yet Patti Lacy captures them all in a way that they flow beautifully together and really hit home with the reader. Secrets are brought to life, issues are dealt with and readers become the characters. The pages of this book will be turning long in to the night as, with each page turn, the reader is wanting more and more of this amazing writing from Patti Lacy.

So, please. If you are like me and have NEVER read a Patti Lacy novel, grab a copy of The Rhythm of Secrets now. It's beyond a 5 star rating, and you will never be the same. The grace and love and spiritual messages in this story are like none other. Patti Lacy is an author whose books should be on everyone's book shelves to be read again and again. Her work is filled with passion, grace and forgiveness and every reader will see the depth of the story immediately. I am ready for more Patti Lacy work and will start with An Irish Woman's Tale, which is here on my book shelf.

Strap yourself in for a multi-faceted story that will captivate you with its adventures and stir you with its insights. From saint to sinner, from piano parlors to dens of danger, from South to North to overseas, Patti Lacy uses a contrast of riveting events to build her characters and story. In some of the most powerful scenes, main character Sheila Franklin steps into an open-Bible world where God's messages are as awe-prostrating as they were in the days of Abraham and Moses. Throw away your Blu-rays and cell phones and iPods. Bring instead the bare essentials this author counts most important: a willing set of feet and a satchel of prayers.

I've read all of Patti's novels. Some of the most valuable takeaway gifts are the author's realistic tracings of sin and its growth, its demise, and its transformation into a redeemed tool to help others. Patti understands that humans are not cardboard cutouts from the same manufacturing plant. She tactfully boldfaces sin in the gutter and the pew, and she exposes it for the express purpose of whiting it out with God's saving grace. Such honesty busts open the door for transformation.

But she doesn't stop there. Her transformed protagonists, equipped with understanding and humility gathered at the bottom of life, span miles and seas and the crusted remnants of their shame to bless others in ways that sheltered Christians only dream about. God's light pulses brilliantly through Patti's stories precisely because she has the courage to shine it into dark places. Her novels are valuable for those who long to step onto the not-so-safe ground of ministry, as well as for those who long to recast the chains of their past into keys to free others.

This is no mediocre novel. The plot is as artfully woven as its musical backdrops. The story is richly textured in its characterizations, literary style, dialogue, and themes. The spiritual thread is as strong as legendary mithril, woven seamlessly into the storyline. Only a master wordsmith could pen this novel. This is a baklava of novels.

The Rhythm of Secrets
By Patti Lacy
Published by Kregel

Heart wrenching yet inspiring, The Rhythm of Secrets is the story of one woman's journey through loss, rejection and loneliness, and secrets that kept her bound by her past. It is also the story of the strength redemption and forgiveness that all long for, but only the saved receive freely.

Sheila Franklin is a proper preachers wife; legalistic, responsible...and suffocating. One phone call changes everything. Samuel. Her son. Her heart. A floodgate is opened and there is no turning back. She must finally tell her story, his story; the whole truth. A truth long buried, and one that may destroy what's taken more than twenty years to build.

Samuel Allan is a desperate man. He's on a mission to save the woman that he loves and he'll do whatever is necessary to secure her freedom. Sheila however, is not what he expected when he planned their meeting. He needs her, more than he could have ever imagined, but his own journey is a dangerous one. One that will put not only his own life in jeopardy, but all those he loves.

The Rhythm of Secrets is a testament of endurance in the face of extreme adversity and through it all, the forgiveness, grace and redemptive power of a God whose love is so strong there is no sin too great, so complete, it can never be undone, so all encompassing, no man is ever truly alone. A powerful story from an author whose work I've never read before, but will seek out in the future. My cup runneth over.

This is undoubtedly one of the most poignant books that has come across my reading pile. The Rhythm of Secrets is an epic tale about masquerading that is perfectly set in the birthplace of the biggest masquerade festival, New Orleans. Sylvia (also known as Sheba and Sheila) takes on imposed identities while suppressing her true self in order to fit the ideal that those around her expect her to fulfill. Sylvia is the embodiment and personification of her hometown New Orleans: broken, mysterious, soulful, artistic, diverse, and resilient. The plot traces over three decades spanning from WWII to Vietnam without the reader getting lost in the historical shuffle or flashbacks.

Books like The Rhythm of Secrets are a rarity because few authors dare write a book that defies the boundaries and stereotypes of the inspirational fiction genre. Patti Lacy has done just that by journeying to the darkest places in our souls and illuminating them with the love of God. This book is intoxicating because of the depth and artistic genius that is poured into every element. The dramatic tension and candid dialogue cut to the quick. The lyrical prose and sweeping descriptions are balanced by raw emotion and tragic realities.

Strains of smooth jazz emanate from each page until even the turn of a page adds to the imaginative orchestra surrounding the reader in sweet melodies. There is a soundtrack associated with each chapter that perfectly accompanies the emotions and plot with flawless harmony. In fact, for certain chapters, I found myself humming along to a silent ditty as the music accompanied me in experiencing the crescendo of emotions. Recently, when I was describing Sheba to a friend (convincing her that this book should be shuffled to the top of her reading list) I equated her to August Rush, someone finds music in the simplest, most mundane elements of life.

One thing is for sure, I will not keep Patty Lacy a secret after reading this exceptional story.

Rating: 10/10
**Thank you to Litfuse for providing a review copy**

First reviewed here: [...]

With The Rhythm of Secrets, Patti Lacy proves herself an author of immense talent.

The Rhythm of Secrets is an ambitious tale that presents the story of Sheila, a humble woman married to a high-profile pastor. However, Sheila has secrets--dark secrets--that even her husband has not yet discovered. From the wildness of 1940s New Orleans to the chaos of Thailand during the Vietnam War era, Sheila's life is rife with trials and tribulations, and her faith is constantly challenged.

Though The Rhythm of Secrets belongs to a genre I normally don't read, there is no disputing the fact that Lacy expertly delivered this family saga. Most striking of all is Lacy's pure talent with the written word. Her style and structure are smooth, well-crafted, and enjoyable. Characterization is also a particular strong-suit of Lacy's, for her Sheila leapt off the page. Her supporting cast was comprised of well-rounded, dynamic characters that each deserved a book of their very own. And just as Lacy used the perfect word in almost all circumstances, she also painted just enough description to satisfy the imagination without drowning it. Lacy also masterfully employed parallelism, for circumstances and symbols early in the story played pertinent roles many, many years later at the end of the story. This careful attention to plot afforded a rewarding, thought-provoking experience.

My only criticism is the pacing. The Rhythm of Secrets always had a sense of urgency to it, but the first two-thirds of the book were very methodical in revealing Sheila layer by layer. It is her story, and we will know it thoroughly. However, the last third of the book becomes more action-oriented, which was a bit jarring because I had grown accustomed to Sheila slowly divulging almost every aspect of her past. Don't misunderstand: the last act of the book is incredibly exhilarating. However, for me, the increased pace did not mesh with the previously established tempo, and, as a result, Sheila fell victim to the rapidly intensifying plot.

All in all, however, The Rhythm of Secrets is an enticing work that clearly establishes Lacy as a powerhouse within the writing community. Her technique is impeccable, and she has given us a character in Sheila that will reside in our hearts and minds long after we've shelved the book.

~Scott William Foley, author of Andropia

This was a powerful, enjoyable book that I highly recommend. Sheila has secrets - secrets that she's never exposed to her husband, a big-time pastor. He doesn't know about her mixed parentage, or parents' background, or about the fact that she has an illegitimate son with dark skin.

This book shows how one simple, single mistake can haunt you for years and years. I know we're supposed to accept God's grace for our sins, but, even when/if we do this, our sins and our bad choices can still affect our lives for a long time.

This novel also shows that it's best to tell the truth, especially to those that you love. Don't hide secrets, what if they come out to bite you later, causing turmoil in your current relationships?

This book also has a pretty deep inspirational message - showing that no matter how tough things get, even if it appears that we may lose our lives, it's best to call upon the Lord, our creator, during times of trouble.

I loved the way the author truthfully showed how judgmental we can be as Christians. You know, this book had me thinking about how some Christians are quick to punish, judge, make others feel unworthy, not following the example that Christ set forth for us in the Gospels. When Sheila, the main character in Rhythm of Secrets, loses her parents and goes to live with her grandmother Mimi, she's forced to suffer from Mimi's judgmental attitude towards her. This attitude partially stems from Sheila's parentage. Yet, Mimi is a Christian? Sadly, the church is filled with Mimis and it'd be great if, the next time we find ourselves judging others for their mistakes, then we should stop, and take a hard look at ourselves. What sins have we committed in our own lives?

I guarantee that this book will get a strong emotional response out of you. For me, the most emotional part happens when Sheila is forced to give up her baby, a baby that she loves fully and unconditionally. Her son's dark skin doesn't bother her, as her baby's complexion is a result of her mixed parentage.

Give this book a try. If you've read it, let me know what you thought about the story.

The Rhythm of Secrets revolves around the story of Sheila Franklin, wife of the prominent and conservative pastor, Edward Franklin. Unbeknownst to everyone around her, Shelia has secrets; secrets that she has kept even from her husband for many years. However, it takes only one little phone call for the carefully woven fabric of her past life to begin to unravel. At the risk of losing all she has attained and becoming an outcast and a pariah, Sheila makes the decision to reveal her secret past to her husband and, at the same time, embrace a family member from her past. Not only is Sheila's status in the life she has created at risk, the life of a young girl in the country of Thailand is also at stake.

Sheila hasn't always been the refined, well-dressed, dignified, lady-of-the-manor that we meet in the early pages of this book. In fact, the truth is that she hasn't always been "Sheila." At different stages of her life, Sheila's name changes periodically throughout the book. While her life has been one of turmoil and upheaval, the constant throughout is her love of music. It is her music and love of it that sustains her in times of hardship.

When we first meet Sheila, the year is 1969. The place is Chicago, Illinois. From there, we take a leap back in time to the year 1942 and find ourselves in New Orleans, Louisiana. At this time, Sheila, who is actually named Sheba, is thirteen years old, already skilled at the piano and has a burning desire to learn to play the clarinet. Horrible and tragic events jerk Sheba from the comfort of her happy home and force her to live with a grandmother who neither loves nor understands her. Thus the stage is set for the events that mold Sheba into the woman that we met in the opening pages.

The book jumps back and forth in time, each time revealing a little bit more of Sheila's past. The more we learn, the more we are able to understand the decisions that Sheila makes and the reasons for her willingness to sacrifice the safety and security of her life as the minister's wife.

Along with the music which is always the center of Sheila's life, another constant throughout is God's grace, His love and mercy, His forgiveness and His compassionate intercession.

As a rule, I generally don't care for books that jump back and forth from present to past. However, in The Rhythm of Secrets, this is a very effective means of telling the story and I immensely enjoyed the way that the back and forth helped the reader to slowly come to understand Sheila's choices and how she has evolved into the person who is willing to risk all in order to save a young girl that she has never met.

When I first heard of this book I knew that I had to read it. I am a musician and can appreciate how Sheila's love of music became the one constant in her life when she was surrounded on all sides by turmoil, heartache, and confusion.

In the book of Psalms, chapter 150, verses 3 and 4, we are told to "praise Him with the sound of the trumpet...praise Him with the psaltery and harp...praise Him with stringed instruments and organs..." Indeed, it is through playing music that I worship God and commune with Him on a spiritual plane. So too, does Sheila use her musical talents to commune with God, relieve her anger or loneliness, and express her emotions.

In the pages of the Bible, we read much about King Saul. When an evil spirit was upon him, he called for David to play upon the harp and Saul was refreshed. There is much truth in the statement that music has the power to soothe the savage beast. The power of music cannot be denied and Patti Lacy skillfully demonstrates this truth in her book.

Is it a prerequisite that you must be a musician to enjoy The Rhythm of Secrets? Not at all! This is a strong story of faith, hope, and trust. All who read it will be captivated by the story and eagerly continue to turn the pages until they reach the satisfying conclusion. As I read this book, I was reminded on several occasions of the scripture in Romans 8:28 which says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..."