The Perfect Life (Paperback)

~ (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: #255,596 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 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.

6 of 6 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

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learn to Trust, March 10, 2008

By	Margaret A. Chind "Creative Madness - Quilts ... (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Perfect Life

I hated this book. I also really liked it and realize the reasons that I hated it were the reasons why a story like this is so important to read. If you have read any of my reviews before you have heard me say that this kind of Christian fiction is not my cup of tea. I'll take it in, but I don't have to like it. Reading this book, I remembered how I felt when I listened to A Slender Threaduthor"> Tracie Peterson by Tracie Peterson. It's close to real life and life hurts sometimes, most of the time. First off my problems with this book, then my likes... The first thirty chapters are a complete depression and drag. I started this book last night, read a little during the day, and finished it tonight. The entire day, I was depressed. Nothing was right, everything was wrong. No particular reason it just was. Katherine faces things that she had never really let herself think through fully before and is ill-equipt to deal with them and basically her body just shuts down. I know how that is, and I don't like it. Lastly, after going downhill further and further for thirty some odd chapters, Katherine finally seeks counsel with God to talk things through. Then before you know it the book is over and that's that things are finished before you have time to process anything and like or hate the outcome. But as I said... I also liked the book. This is my first Robin Lee Hatcher book experience and she is a fabulous author. The way that she brings you in and out of different characters' heads throughout the entire story is creative and works wonders with comprehension and empathy. When Katherine starts to really delve within herself to figure out what she is fighting and faces a harsh reality it is of things that she does not want, but needs to know and acknowledge. I think that these things can really open the door to healing when need-be. Hatcher touches on a topic that many people wouldn't touch because it is too difficult and hurts too much.

This book did put me in a funk because it is painful, but that also goes to show how well Hatcher wrote. She was able to make you understand her characters and bring them to life in you. I do not think that in one weekend everything can be hunky-dorey again, but I do think that a door to healing can be opened if you let it. I would really say that this book is something that someone should read if they are hurting and doubting God's trust, existence, or having human trust issues. But this book should be read with the warning that I was given before I first read the scriptural book of Job. You have to read the whole thing. If you read parts of it, you might like it, you might benefit, but probably will only become angry. If you read the whole thing, you will learn things about yourself that you didn't want to know nor see, but you will be a hugely better person because of it and will sincerely benefit.