My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson

Life in the South is just what you would expect for Lily Rose Cates. Her family had their share of problems but she knew with certainty that her daddy loved her more than anything. When life suddenly changes for her the summer she turns 16, she sort of loses a sense of her identity.

By the time she graduates college, she meets a handsome young man who offers her things she's always wanted. She immediately falls for him despite the warning flags and sirens going off to all of those around her. She ends up marrying Manny within a few short months, and quickly learns the secret of his ways on their honeymoon. She's devastated with the whole idea of Manny not being who he said he was, but she can't bring herself to leave him. She just knows he will change.

After nearly three years, she finally gets the courage to leave him. She heads back to the South, back to the life she always knew, and hopes to start over. Back in her hometown, she comes to find herself once again, remembering her purpose in life.

I found this book to be quite the inspiring read. I also found it to be very true to life in many ways, especially when it came down to Lily Rose having to leave Manny. He'd make her promises and beg her to stay, buying her some elaborate gift to try to make her forget about the abuse. You would think it would be simple to just get up and leave the relationship, but sadly I know from experience that it is not. Despite the abuse, Lily Rose obviously still loved him, and it was hard to grasp that someone you love could hurt you so much.

This book was full of southern charm and character, and I found it difficult to put down. The beginning of the book is a little slow moving, but it quickly picks up the pace after the first couple of chapters. I don't believe this book is inappropriate in any way, but it does contain sensitive material that may upset some people. I rate it as 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.