Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.
Denise Hildreth Jones has spent the last eight years writing fiction that has been hailed as both “smart and witty.” Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in Southern Living and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Denise is the author of eight novels and two works of nonfiction—Flying Solo and Reclaiming Your Heart.
She makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, five bonus children, and her dog. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola.
Visit Denise’s website at www.reclaiminghearts.com.
My Impressions:
Secrets over Sweet Tea was not what I expected, but it was so much more! The pick for By The Book’s December discussion, Denise Hildreth Jones’ latest novel was a unanimous thumbs up from my group. Filled with great Southern characters, real-life, messy situations and wonderful writing, this novel is great for group discussions. I loved it and think you will too.
Scarlet Jo Newberry is larger than life. With her bright colors and over-the-top personality, she prays and laughs and meddles her way through life. Lots of people try to avoid her when they see her coming, but for those who become her friend, she is a lifeline. That’s what Grace finds when the life she always wanted comes crashing down.
Secrets over Sweet Tea is a very personal novel. Both Jones and her husband have gone through divorces and not only lived to tell about it, but have allowed God to use them. There is a lot to talk about in this novel — infidelity, guilt, shame, discovering who you are in God. All the characters are flawed, but that’s just the type of people God loves to work in and through.
If you are looking for women’s fiction with a definite Southern twang, check out Secrets over Sweet Tea.
Highly Recommended.
(I purchased this book for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
To purchase this book, click on the image below.
Looks like a good read. I’m interested in seeing how these lives intersect. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you. Jones takes the stories and weaves them together into healing stories.