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Robert Whitlow is back! No he didn’t really go anywhere, but this book club favorite left us puzzled and dissatisfied last year with The Living Room. But his newest novel, The Confession, combines his trademark characters, excellent plotting and insightful faith message that make for a classic Whitlow novel. By The Book is discussing this one next week. Have you read it? Please let us know your thoughts.

Holt Douglas is a DA with a past. From the beginning, the reader is let in on the secret which has shaped his life’s goals. The accident changed the course of his life and has caused him not to divert from it. Deputy Trish Carmichael has also been impacted by a tragedy. Her black and white sense of right and wrong were reinforced by it. The two come together to solve a cold case that is not as it seems. Past and present are on a collision course that will again change the paths of many of the characters.

First off, I have to say that I liked the mystery that was the main plot line. Things are never as they seem and the main characters’ perceptions and experiences influence the direction of their investigation. Whitlow examines how what we see may not really be what’s real. But it was the course the characters take in gaining real insight that I enjoyed the most. Holt is a case in contradiction and irony, dedicated to bring justice, but keeping his own sins secrets. Trish believes in the justice of God, but has a hard time extending grace. The Confession has lots of characters seeking restitution, but not true repentance. The surprise ending is filled with the message of hope in the love and mercy of God.

I am so glad that Whitlow has returned to his roots. This is a book I can recommend.

Recommended.

Audience: Older teens to adults. ( )

Title: The Confession
Author: Robert Whitlow
Pages: 416
Year: 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Confession-Robert-Whitlow/dp/1401688861/ref=sr_1_1?s=books...
Upon opening the book I read this quote, “Confession is a bridge everyone must cross. This book is dedicated to the guides of grace who help us in the journey.” How profound! When I read it, I thought how truthful it is, and it piqued my interest. The thrust of the story brings home to our hearts the need to both receive and to give forgiveness to others. The author shows through the story’s characters how difficult it is to confess our sins when we would rather hide them and the challenges we face when extending forgiveness.
Holton is a district attorney who carries a secret from his youth. His life’s work has been to honor his friend who died; yet, it is more than that. When Holt was 18, he was driving and lost control of the car and his friend nicknamed Calico was killed. What turns out to be difficult for Holt was laying the blame for the accident on his friend when in fact he was the driver. Trish works for the sheriff’s office. While her duties are manifold, she is trying to come to grips with forgiving the drunk driver who killed her father and put her mother in a wheelchair. The character that I found captivating was Bishop Pennington, who is an example of a man available for prayer or just listening to those who need to share their burdens, keeping confidences.
When Holt is accidently given a cold case file of an apparent suicide of a prominent citizen, he begins to dig for the information not in the file. Though he is told to immediately quit investigating, he is drawn into the case which unfolds into more than what he thought was an apparent cover up. On top of all this, Holt begins his journey toward God while others learn the freedom forgiveness brings to them. I highly recommend the novel. It speaks spiritual truth along with a suspense-building climax and an ending that will steal your breath away.
As I was reading, I kept seeing how various characters struggled with letting go of anger or facing their sins due to the shame that overwhelmed them. But what hope and joy the characters reflected once the truth was all out and there was no more hiding or fear of the truth being known by others. The tale reflects, I believe, how we all at times fear confession, how we do feel shame, but if we confess, how free we become! A very enlightening and captivating story awaits those who open the book and take the journey. I did and it was well worth reading!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )