Sunday, June 14, 2015

MEMORY BOX SECRETS, by BRENDA S ANDERSON

Title: Memory Box Secrets (Coming Home Book 2) 
Author: Brenda S Anderson
Publisher: Vivant Press (April 21, 2015)
Pages: 357

MEMORY BOX SECRETS, by BRENDA S ANDERSON is the “second” book in the COMING HOME SERIES. There are three different stories going on simultaneously, with a surprise ending.

Just a few years ago, Richard had flourish in Manhattan’s fast-paced business world, but there was one thing greatly lacking from his life. His faith. After restoring his faith, he never imagined returning to his old life. The New York Corporation that once rejected him, begs him to come back. Richard feels returning isn’t a good idea, but his gut is telling him to go.

Sheila yearns to have something from her childhood to pass on to her child, but her parents left her nothing. Unexpectedly, her aging father calls, asking to reunite. As much as she wants to say no because of all they had done to her, her heart whispers, yes.

I have to admit, Pieces of Granite (Coming Home, Prequel) and Chain of Mercy (Coming Home Book 1), are my favorites of the series.

*Pieces of Granite (Coming Home, Prequel)

When I was given the opportunity to read PIECES OF GRANITE by BRENDA S ANDERSON, I didn't hesitate. I loved her book CHAIN OF MERCY, and I do mean LOVED it. To be honest, once I realized it was going back in time, the excitement diminished a bit. I loved Ricky in CHAIN OF MERCY, yet I had read his story, and knew of his sister Debbie and her family. How would it be to hear about them after already experiencing their lives?

Debbie and Jerry Verhoeven are expecting their second child. One would think they would be overjoyed. Though Debbie may be, Jerry is not. Not only is he not happy about their new child, he is having serious issues knowing she will not be perfect.

I was not prepared to enjoy PIECES OF GRANITE as much as I did, knowing it was going back in time. I loved getting to see another part of Ricky. I was equally intrigued by Debbie and Jerry's neighbor, Lee. I'm secretly hoping there will be a story about him. I was totally engaged in Debbie and Jerry's life.

I cannot adequately express how amazing MS ANDERSON'S writing is. It is near flawless. What I find intriguing is how realistic her stories are. It sounds so basic, yet I never realized how difficult a task it must be to accomplish, because I cannot recall any other author that has written so accurately to every day life, and at the same time keep the story as equally engaging. The honesty and realism is off the charts. I often found myself shaking my head thinking wow; I have felt that or lived that. While reading PIECES OF GRANITE it came to mind that every parent needs to read this book.

Not only was I wrong about it being awkward to read about Ricky after having read his story in CHAIN OF MERCY, I am tempted to reread it, having fallen in love with him all over again in PIECES OF GRANITE.

*Chain of Mercy (Coming Home Book 1)

To say that CHAIN OF MERCY is the first, but not the last book I'll read by BRENDA S ANDERSON, is a huge understatement. If I were only allowed one word to describe this amazing book, it would have to be, WOW!

Richard Brooks is not who he appears to be. Not by a long shot. But that's intentional. He wants nothing more than to rid of the man he once was. Only problem is, he's everywhere he goes.

Sheila Peterson is intrigued by the handsome maintenance man. She never imagined she'd stoop so low as to go out with someone so beneath her, but he'd serve a purpose. Little did she realize what man was hidden behind the façade.

Forgiveness is a huge element in CHAIN OF MERCY on many levels, but it is so much more. The characters, writing, and storyline are beyond amazing. It's not your typical, predictable novel. MS ANDERSON takes you on a journey with surprising twists and turns. Each of the characters is distinct, with tangible personalities. From the very first page, you will be pulled in, and absorbed into the lives of the characters. But it won't stop with the last word. No, CHAIN OF MERCY is bound to remain in your heart forever.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.



1 comment:

Brenda S. Anderson said...

Thank you for the review, Kym! And thank you for all you've done to help support my writing! :D