Book Review: Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

I reviewed another Patti Lacy book in January. It was an emotional book about human slavery (see my review on this book as well) and one that made quite an impact on me. After reading The Rhythm of Secrets, I was ready to read another by this talented author.



Reclaiming Lily is a story of a girl who is adopted from China at the age of ten. Her sister sees her leave the orphanage with her new family, and vows she will get her back someday. Seven years later, she finds Lily and begins working on a plan to take her back to China. The adoptive parents are reluctant to allow the sister to meet with Lily, but when news of a possible life-threatening disease is revealed, they find that they must in order to save their daughter. Several twists, including a tornado and a period of time in a Texas jail, make this book one that is hard to put down.

I have many times wanted to adopt a child, especially one from another country. I'm sure I don't realize how hard it would be, but I still would love to do it. I can see by reading this book that it is often a rough road for all involved, especially when the adoptee is an older child. My heart goes out to all the families who have adopted older kids. The patience they have is incredible.

I particularly like how the book ends (with unexpected  results). A few surprises in the last chapter give it a satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend Reclaiming Lily. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from LitFuse Group for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Book Review: The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

I began reading a book last year about modern slavery. As I read, I thought of the thousands of people who are right now being held against their will and forced to all kinds of evil for their captors. My mind cannot even fathom what they must be suffering in order to simply survive.

I have now watched the movie "Taken" about four times. Even though it is an emotional experience, I think it has been good for me to see the reality of what is happening to others around the world. It causes me to cry out to God for the deliverance of innocent boys, girls, men and women who are going through hell on earth. (If you haven't seen this movie, I suggest that you do. You will be shocked, but perhaps shocked enough to do something about this worldwide problem.)

The book by Patti Lacy entitled The Rhythm of Secrets bravely tackles this issue of slavery and what one man is willing to do to rescue one of these victims. Although it is fiction, it is based on a true story, something I couldn't forget as I read.

The book begins with Sheila Franklin, a woman who grew up in New Orleans in the 1940's and became an orphan at the age of 13, an unwed mother just 5 years later. It is now 1969, and Sheila now lives in Chicago with her preacher husband. Her quiet world is shattered when she receives a visit from her son who she gave up for adoption so many years ago. Why is he coming to see her now? Does he truly want to know his mother, or does he have other motives for seeking her out?

This book had many twists and turns in it that kept my interest throughout. I felt many different emotions as I read Sheila's story. Her bravery and perseverance were quite amazing as well as inspiring. Mrs. Lacy writes with feeling and gives her characters the emotions necessary for the reader to empathize with their difficult situation. I saw some people I know in these characters.

The plot is based upon the true story of Sandy Sperrazza. You can read more about Sandy from the newspaper article on this blog.

Also, here is an interesting interview with the author, Patti Lacy.

The Rhythm of Secrets is truly a great read. I give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)