Rorey's Secret

It is not often that I write a review but Ms Kelly's books are such a comfortable read. I love her style and rarely see it in other books. I found her quite by accident in a used book store. After reading the book I quickly went to [...] and ordered all of her books. I am just about to begin my last one "Rachel's Prayers". None has been anything but a wonderful read. Following the Wortham's & Hammond's families has been interesting. Watching the kids grow older in each book, following them through many trials and tribulations. Ms Kelly has a great way of allowing us to see into their lives and how they deal with life in general. Julia and Samuel are wonderful people and she makes them come alive for the reader. When a writer has that ability, they have my interest. I look forward to many more wonderful books from Ms Kelly.

This story demonstrates how important it is to talk to someone about your hurts. By keeping the hurt inside, Rorey hurt herself more than anyone. But those who loved her kept praying for her and trying to encourage her and guiding her in the right direction. It also shows the power of prayer. And love shows throughout this story. I loved this entire series and would love to see more of them. This is a must for my church library, which is where I put it.

Rorey's Secret is a novel about two families who find their faith in God severely tested by the destruction of a raging fire. One woman harbors a disturbing secret about what really caused the fire, yet she is trapped at a crossroads between telling the truth and betraying a promise to a close friend. An emotionally moving story about faith, hard choices, and the healing power of forgiveness unfolds. Also recommended are author Leisha Kelly's previous novels, "Julia's Hope", "Emma's Gift", and "Katie's Dream".

I love the continuing story of the Worthams and the Hammonds. Helping a large family when they have next to nothing is heartwarming and their creativity is very interesting. There's a lot we can learn about living simply and it definitely shows how important love is. I hope there will be another in the series.

Though life has been hard during the Depression, Samuel and Julia Wortham have weathered the storms through faith while raising their children. The Worthams believe they are blessed as they and their children have been healthy, they still own their Dearing, Illinois farm, and the two remain very happy with one another and with their children. However, in 1938, disaster strikes at the farm of their close friend and neighbor George Hammond when a fire destroys much of his property. After the blaze is put out, but not before much damage to the crops and the barn occurs, everyone begins to wonder what caused the inferno. Most people believe Franky Hammond set the fire except teenage Sarah who feels Rorey caused the disaster as they share a secret that both keeps silent about even as their families struggle with a new beginning with only their faith in God keeping them going. Six years have passed since the Great Depression impacted the Wortham and Hammond families (see KATIE'S DREAM, JULIA'S HOPE AND EMMA'S GIFT) and the children in those tales are now adults or teens. However, the message remains the same though told from new perspectives; that when things seem bleak, hopeless, and darkest salvation and solace is with the Lord. The story line is exciting as readers observe varying viewpoints about the fire and its aftermath. Americana Historical Christian readers will enjoy this fine tale of salvation after the brutal test of fire. Harriet Klausner