My Father's House: a novel

While My Father’s House is fiction the circumstances in which Lily Rose discovers herself in the beginning of the story is sadly congruent to most young girls experience who for one reason or another do not know themselves and do not have an adequate support system. The author crafted the initial phase of Lily Rose’s life as a young woman in such a fashion that not only did I cheer her on as she progressed in becoming self-aware and self-protective, but like Lily Rose, I was right with her as she left this phase of her life. To this author’s credit, Rose Chandler Johnson had the ability through her writing style to take me somewhere, and keep me there enabling me to experience a little of Lily Rose’s situation and necessary struggles that she needed to go through in order to move forward. The Story, My Father's House and Lily Rose continued to take me along as she met Earl. Everyone needs an ‘Earl’ in their life at one point or another. There is no doubt in my mind that God gave Earl to Lily Rose that evening as a gift. The House and all the memories associated with it enabled and encouraged Lily Rose to reveal her true self and to blossom as the wonderful woman her daddy raised. There definitely needs to be ‘A House’ for all women to go to who experience what Lily Rose experienced before making the decision to ask her best friend for help. The people within the town in which her Father’s House stood were truly stewards directed by God to help Lily Rose throughout her journey of getting to and remaining at her Father’s House. The image that comes to mind when thinking of the meaning of Lily Rose’s Father’s House is a loved one wrapped ever so carefully and gently yet securely within a myriad of exquisite fabrics. My Father’s House is a Love Story, about Lily Rose and two men she falls in love with at different periods of her life. To me My Father’s House is also a love story which involves many people connected in some way to Lily Rose who on a variety of levels significantly affect each other’s lives by providing hope, support, and commitment to one another. My Father’s House is a well written beautiful attestation to the power of God’s unrelenting concern, protection and love for all living creatures!

"My initial reaction to Lily Rose: She's looking for strength as a mouse in a world of lions!"

My Father's House,' by Rose Chandler Johnson, is a very sad story, but it's filled with realistic events and prayers through every circumstance. The story was written with so much heart and spirit, I finished it in just two days. I probably could have finished it sooner, but I had flowers to snip, bushes to trim and weeds that had to be pulled!

The story is about Lily Rose Cates, a southern gal with lots of heart and as naive as the day is long, but with good reason. Her life prior to meeting Manuel Valenti had been sheltered and quiet. She lived for one thing, to be with her friend and travel the country and maybe even Europe, visiting national museums! A college dream. But when she meets Manny, plans change. Her world changes- everything changed and not for the better.

Lily Rose goes through a series of events that set off warning bells from the very beginning, but what's a girl to do when her heart leaps with its own desires instead of the ones God's planned for her life? Dive all in, of course, then ask questions later...
*For the full review: [...]
**Book provided by Litfuse Publicity Group, for an honest review.

My Father's House took me on a journey... to a place in my past, that my future yearns for. As I followed Lily Rose, with baited breath far into the night, she journeyed from a young, innocent girl to a woman whose decision to survive caused her to dig deep into herself and find a strength and courage she never knew she had. And in doing so, I recognized myself deep in the pages of her story. Rebuilding a life, rebuilding friendships, creating new ones, and cherishing those things that bring you happiness are all things we should strive for. Lily Rose took a chance, and in doing so reminded me to do the same. I literally could not put this book down until the last page was turned. I loved the setting. I loved the characters. I loved Peppy. I loved the book.

I couldn't help but have affection for sweet southern Lily Rose, the protagonist of My Father's house. Her lilting drawl played in my head as I read the book, which gets going a few chapters in.

But most importantly, My Father's House meets my #1 criteria for a great book: It compelled me to pull out a pen and underline passages. It compelled me to dog-ear pages for quick reference later. That's when a book earns a permanent place on my bookcase.

I loved Rose Chandler Johnson's devotional "God, Me and Sweet Iced Tea" and I follow her blog, Write Moments with God so I was already familiar with her beautiful writing. Her debut novel is absolutely wonderful and a real page turner that I couldn't put down. The story moved along seamlessly and there is a good dose of suspense involved in the story. Rose was able to paint a picture of the southern town of Wilcox Station and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in the town. I am from Georgia and loved all the southern references and the town of Wilcox Station sounds so idyllic....I want to move there! I definitely recommend this book and I agree with others that there should be a sequel so we can learn what is in store next for Lily Rose! Thank you Rose...I'm so proud of you!

This was a delightful book full of southern charm but with a healthy dose of suspense. It took me back to a gentler time when people visited on front porches and cared about their neighbors. You will come to care about Lily Rose and want to know where she is now. Sequel, please!

I just finished reading My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson. I love this book! I had a wonderful time visiting Wilcox Station and the people that live there. I really hope a sequel is in future so that I can visit again! I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen to Lily Rose. I recommend this book!

This book held me captive from the beginning! It's literally like you are living in the town with the characters. I didn't want the story to end!

A wonderful book! I absolutely loved Mrs.Johnsons detailed descriptions of her characters. I felt as though I knew the characters and the small actions they took here and there ( I'm trying not to give anything away by being detailed) really gave you an idea of the type of person they were as the story started unfolding. I was hooked! I could not put it down and was even inside reading instead of ridding horses! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a good book!

I enjoyed the book very much! I was hooked as soon as I started reading. You won be disappointed.