What Lies Within (Family Honor Series #3) [Paperback]

Karen Ball (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 2007

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…
until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Ball is the bestselling author of over seven novels and four novellas, including Shattered Justice, Kaleidoscope Eyes, and The Breaking Point. Her powerful writing blends humor, poignancy, and honesty with God’s truth. Karen lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their “kids”–a mischief-making Siberian husky and an indefatigable Aussie-terrier mix.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (November 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590524152
• ISBN-13: 978-1590524152
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,017,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

First thing to know about me: I love Oregon. You won't find more varied terrain anywhere. From desert to mountains to forests to the ocean: Oregon has it all. evergreens; a rugged ocean. And climate? Hot, warm, cool, cold, snow, rain, fog, blazing summer heat (as high as 115 degrees!). Every aspect of this state is beautiful in its own way--kind of like life. We face good times and bad, and yet, in every situation, God brings beauty when we least expect it.

I love that about Him.

Second thing to know: I'm a bonafide PK (preacher's kid), but I never went through a rebellion. Why not? 'Cuz my parents are a rare breed: their family was their first ministry. So here I am, a grown up PK, who loves the church, my family, and God.

Let's see...what else? I'm married to a guy who's a blend of John Wayne and Jerry Lewis. He's strong and protective--and just this side of crazy. We've had some major ups and downs, but God has brought us from a very dark place into His love and peace. It still amazes me. (THE BREAKING POINT is based on our struggles and what God taught us.) And though we don't have kids, we have great dogs--our "boy" Bodhan, a Siberian husky whose name means "God's gift." He just showed up on our doorstep one winter, and has been our sweet fella ever since. And then there's Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix we should have named "Destructo." Good thing we love her!

Last, but not least, there's my day job. I've been an editor in Christian publishing for more than 20 years. In fact, it was my authors who told me I should be writing--and when people like Francine Rivers, Angela Hunt, and Gil Morris tell you to write, you do it. So my days are spent working with such amazing folks as Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins, Bill Myers, Karen Kingsbury, and a host of others on their novels. And my evenings I'm writing. Yes, it's true: my entire life is make-believe.

So that's me in a nutshell (which is where some folks say I belong. Or was that a nut house...?) Thanks for stopping by to find out about me. Hope your day is full of God's best blessings!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Lies within us all?, December 23, 2007

By 

Nora A. Stlaurent "TBCN Founder" (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Lies Within (Family Honor Series #3) (Paperback)

Review : "What Lies Within" is the third book in the "Family Honor Series". Karen Ball has saved the best for last.

Karen richly develops each character and I connected with them right away. Chapter after chapter the plot thickens; and my heart raced. There are many twists and surprises revealed as the hearts of the characters Rafe, Kyla, Fredrick and gang leader King K are exposed.

The story caused me to wonder what lies deep within my own heart. As I read the struggle of Rafe Murphy - x-marine, trying to make sense of his new life; Kyla - a strong women; CEO of her successful construction company as she does her job in a male dominated field. She's as tough as they come - she has to be. The author is gut honest as Rafe and Kyla share what is in their hearts and on their minds

In the author notes Karen Ball says that this book was an answer to prayer. As I read this intricate story I could see God's message emerging from the beginning of this tale to the end. It's powerful; and enlightening in many ways.

The story starts off with a bang as Rafe Murphy (leader of Force Recon Marine Squade) is in the middle of trying to save his men from impending death as the enemy is ready to pounce on them.

When he comes home he gets involved in a war that is much more personal; something he never expected to be involved with - fighting a gang in his very own neighborhood. Rafe comes to grips with the fact that those involved in combating gangs - and those resisting them - need prayer 24/7. This is a new type of combat for him. The world of gangs is a dark, pervasive place, where humanity gives way to violence and mercy to degradation. Once in a gang the only way out is death. There is only one source of light in such darkness and that is Jesus Christ. Rafe and Kyla learn that there is nothing good that lives in their hearts - but Jesus.

At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from someone famous and a scripture. Some of these quotes and scripture pierced my heart before the chapter did. A few of the many quotes that the holy spirit used to get my attention are "We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday & fear of tomorrow." Fulton Oursler

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones that you did do...Explore. Dream. Discover" Mark Twain.

"God knows all hearts and He sees you. He keeps watch over your soul" Proverbs 24:12

The impact of this book is deep. It continues to work on my heart and my mind as the Lord keeps replaying segments of this book in my mind; through my day. It makes me realize yet again that God knows what is in the depths of my soul and still loves me. He will use me if I'm willing to be willing to let Him do the impossible deep inside my heart, mind and soul. This book is a keeper. You'll want to re-read this story and discover treasure you might have missed the first time.

Nora St.Laurent
Book Club Servant Leader
[...]

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good suspense, January 24, 2008

By 

Barbara Warren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Lies Within (Family Honor Series #3) (Paperback)

Kyla Justice has a handsome, prominent man who wants to marry her, her construction firm is a success; she should be happy, but something is wrong. Then she meets Rafe Murphy, who was injured in the war. Rafe now owns a coffee shop, and he's definitely interested in Kyla, but she's a busy lady. Then Frederick Tischler, a friend of both Rafe and Kyla hires her to build an inner city youth center. It should be an easy job, but someone doesn't want the center to be built. From day one the site has been plagued by sabotage, injured workers, and vandalism. Kyla takes on the job, but it could put her in danger.
Karen Ball has written a suspensful story with compelling characters and a strong faith message. She takes us behind the scenes into the world of gangs and street culture.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pet Lovers -- Put This Book On Your List, December 11, 2007

By 

Kelly Klepfer (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: What Lies Within (Family Honor Series #3) (Paperback)

Karen Ball has taken a familiar historical, Biblical situation and tweaked into a very relevant story in 2007. Not only does it work, it doesn't feel even a bit dusty.

I'm impressed with the seamlessness of this third- in-the-series book. I do want to go back and grab the first two, not because I feel like I missed something, but because I'm sure the stories are equally compelling.

What Lies Within is full of conflict and challenge which makes it a speed read. Those who love to turn pages should check further into this story.

Pet lovers, you're in for a treat. Karen is an animal lover and it is very obvious in the true-to-life details of pet/human interaction.

Finally, there is a sweet love story that should get the romance lovers' hearts afluttering.