The Perfect Life (Paperback)

by Robin Lee Hatcher (Author)
Key Phrases: Nicole Schubert, Henderson Building, Brad Clarkson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Meet Katherine Clarkson, heroine of Christy Award-winning novelist Hatcher's latest enjoyable, if not literarily distinguished, domestic tale. Katherine seems to have, as the title suggests, the perfect life-her two grown daughters are both pregnant, and her devoted and handsome husband Brad has just been named Humanitarian of the Year for his work at In Step, a ministry that rehabilitates houses for low-income people. Then disaster strikes-a beautiful young woman who once worked for Brad publicly accuses him of mishandling the ministry's finances, and of having an affair with her. When Brad denies both accusations, Katherine struggles with whether to believe him. She wrestles, too, with the fact that her church community largely abandons her in the wake of the scandal. Meanwhile, Katherine's two daughters clash over how to respond to their parents' crisis. Hatcher (Whispers from Yesterday) is a dab hand with dialogue, which is one reason her characters are so well drawn: readers will feel empathy with all members of the family. Hatcher also gets kudos for creating, in Katherine's best friend, a sympathetic non-Christian character, something all too rare in faith fiction. This will be a surefire hit with Hatcher's many fans.
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Product Description

Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome husband, respected in their church and the community. Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all--until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, an affair with a former employee. Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.

Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of what she thought was the perfect life?

Women of Faith^TM has shared the message of hope and grace with millions of women across the country through conferences and resources. When you see the words "Women of Faith Fiction" on a novel, you're guaranteed a reading experience that will capture your imagination and inspire your faith.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595541489
• ISBN-13: 978-1595541482
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #266,237 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Honest Look at Forgiveness!, February 24, 2008

By	Susan Manchester "Voracious Reader" (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This book was a great choice for the Women of Faith Fiction series! The characters were not contrived, there was nothing predictable about their responses and I learned a LOT about how much God's forgiveness cost Him. I am inspired to use these lessons in my own marriage.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent look at loss of faith, March 10, 2008

By	Christina Lockstein "http://christysbookblog.... (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher is the story of Katherine Clarkson and her storybook life. Her husband Brad, who runs a charitable organization, is the perfect husband. Both of her adult daughters are pregnant, and the world is full of hope for this Bible-reading church-going woman. Until a former employee of Brad's accuses him of mismanaging the company's money AND having an affair with her. Katherine's world quickly collapses around her as she tries to both face and shut out the accusations against him. Her faith isn't as strong as she thought it was, not in God or her husband.Hatcher always writes books with powerfully sympathetic characters, and Katherine is no exception. Even as she shuts out her family, you can't help but grieve at the loss of the life she thought she had. Many Christians stumble in their faith when it comes to facing real crisis; I know I still do. And this book is a great reminder about why we need to trust and lean only on God, because everyone else is ultimately human. The resolution is true to life and not tied up in a neat bow as many books try to do. Life has rough edges, and Hatcher isn't afraid to use them to show the glory of love of God.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Life, February 25, 2008

By	Cheryl L. Chalstrom "Cheri" (Albertville, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was well written and so many people could relate to the characters and what they were going through and how they dealt with it. The book addressed issues like trust, honesty with yourself and letting go of past hurts. Learning to trust in God and listening to him and his guidence in your life. I couldn't put the book down. Great Book!
Cheri