Patti has a very different way of writing than most authors out there, but it only makes her books stand out that much more! It made me feel like I was inside of Shelia, feeling everything she felt and understanding every confused thought that passed through her mind. The book dealt with several hard subjects, including having a child out of wedlock and prostitution — both in America and in foreign lands. Patti dealt with all this amazing well and kept it factual and rather clean, despite the subject.
There is one scene where a character is nearly raped, but it is stopped quickly and not much is described.
The Rhythm of Secrets
There is another scene with a man partying in a night club. While he is drugged and so doesn't know what he is doing, it's still in there - though it's told as the character felt it, through a haze. Filled with twists and turns at nearly every corner, this book will leave you with so many lessons.
One of the most prominent is showing that your sins will always find you out. Another lesson we see is that God can forgive event the worst of sinners. His redemption can purge the filthiest and most sinful of people. Oct 31, Scott Foley rated it it was amazing. The Rhythm of Secrets is an ambitious tale that presents the story of Sheila, a humble woman married to a high-profile pastor. However, Sheila has secrets--dark secrets--that even her husband has not yet discovered. From the wildness of s New Orleans to the chaos of Thailand during the Vietnam War era, Sheila's life is rife with trials and tribulations, and her faith is constantly challenged.
Though The Rhythm of Secrets belongs to a genre I normally don't read, there is no disputing the fact that Lacy expertly delivered this family saga. Most striking of all is Lacy's pure talent with the written word. Her style and structure are smooth, well-crafted, and enjoyable. Characterization is also a particular strong-suit of Lacy's, for her Sheila leapt off the page.
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Her supporting cast was comprised of well-rounded, dynamic characters that each deserved a book of their very own. And just as Lacy used the perfect word in almost all circumstances, she also painted just enough description to satisfy the imagination without drowning it. Lacy also masterfully employed parallelism, for circumstances and symbols early in the story played pertinent roles many, many years later at the end of the story.
This careful attention to plot afforded a rewarding, thought-provoking experience.
My only criticism is the pacing. The Rhythm of Secrets always had a sense of urgency to it, but the first two-thirds of the book were very methodical in revealing Sheila layer by layer. It is her story, and we will know it thoroughly. However, the last third of the book becomes more action-oriented, which was a bit jarring because I had grown accustomed to Sheila slowly divulging almost every aspect of her past.
However, for me, the increased pace did not mesh with the previously established tempo, and, as a result, Sheila fell victim to the rapidly intensifying plot. All in all, however, The Rhythm of Secrets is an enticing work that clearly establishes Lacy as a powerhouse within the writing community. Her technique is impeccable, and she has given us a character in Sheila that will reside in our hearts and minds long after we've shelved the book.
This is undoubtedly one of the most poignant books that has come across my reading pile. The Rhythm of Secrets is an epic tale about masquerading that is perfectly set in the birthplace of the biggest masquerade festival, New Orleans. Sylvia also known as Sheba and Sheila takes on imposed identities while suppressing her true self in order to fit the ideal that those around her expect her to fulfill. Sylvia is the embodiment and per First reviewed here: Sylvia is the embodiment and personification of her hometown New Orleans: The plot traces over three decades spanning from WWII to Vietnam without the reader getting lost in the historical shuffle or flashbacks.
Books like The Rhythm of Secrets are a rarity because few authors dare write a book that defies the boundaries and stereotypes of the inspirational fiction genre. Patti Lacy has done just that by journeying to the darkest places in our souls and illuminating them with the love of God. This book is intoxicating because of the depth and artistic genius that is poured into every element. The dramatic tension and candid dialogue cut to the quick.
The lyrical prose and sweeping descriptions are balanced by raw emotion and tragic realities. Strains of smooth jazz emanate from each page until even the turn of a page adds to the imaginative orchestra surrounding the reader in sweet melodies. There is a soundtrack associated with each chapter that perfectly accompanies the emotions and plot with flawless harmony.
In fact, for certain chapters, I found myself humming along to a silent ditty as the music accompanied me in experiencing the crescendo of emotions.
Recently, when I was describing Sheba to a friend convincing her that this book should be shuffled to the top of her reading list I equated her to August Rush, someone finds music in the simplest, most mundane elements of life. One thing is for sure, I will not keep Patty Lacy a secret after reading this exceptional story. Feb 26, Naomi Musch rated it it was amazing. Writers know that to keep readers turning the pages, there needs to be conflict.
Lots and lots of conflict. Bad, leads to worse, leads to awful. In Patti's book, the progression doesn't start small. It takes off with tension, and continues to breed one new horror upon another for her protagonist. Conservative pastor's wife, Sheila Franklin, has been masking a secret past for "Edgy" is an anemic way to describe the gut-wrenching realism in Patti Lacy's "Rhythm of Secrets", new from Kregel. In revealing her past, Sheila must choose between her son -- helping him to rescue his beloved -- or her husband Edward, whose trust and ministry may crumble with her revelations.
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This is important in an inspirational marketplace where authors and publishers are continually asking themselves where to draw the "edgy line". It's one thing to write about sins of the flesh in a way that stirs base passions, and it's entirely another to write about them in ways that provoke introspection and self awareness of our own downfalls. That's what Patti does. She doesn't hold back from using intense language I'm not talking "foul", just intense and painting pictures of the worst side of human nature. But in so doing, she causes the reader to ponder their own stumbling blocks or self-righteous attitudes.
That takes craft, folks. I recommend that Christian writers who aspire to write provoking fiction read Patti Lacy's books. In them you'll understand how to explore themes of human nature in a Christian world view without being preachy. Jan 18, Sara rated it really liked it Shelves: And let me tell you, what an emotional, wild and grace-filled ride, it was! Racism, alcohol, prostitution, and a baby out of wedlock are all brought up in this book and they were were handled tastefully and realistically.
Lacy has a beautiful writing style. The only downside to this book and this is really stretching for a downside was that there was SO much going on and it was always intense! Shelia is such a strong and brave character, who perseveres and gets the life that she deserves at the end. Dec 16, Amber Stokes rated it really liked it. This book is full of vivid imagery--some beautiful and poetic, and some disturbing and heartbreaking. I admire Lacy's talent for writing, as the words she weaves draw the reader into the story, for better or for worse.
The rhythm of the book is full of constant crescendos and decrescendos, painful secrets in both the past and present revealed one right after the other, paralleled by tender moments of kindness and hope. It's a different sort of rhythm for a book--one that takes the reader on a ti This book is full of vivid imagery--some beautiful and poetic, and some disturbing and heartbreaking. It's a different sort of rhythm for a book--one that takes the reader on a timeless and terrifying journey. To be honest, this was a difficult book to read. There's so much going in the story and so much emotion that I found it to be sort of slow-going, and it's not really the kind of book I particularly enjoy reading, especially because the descriptions go into more detail on certain subjects than I would prefer.
I also have to add that this book only compounded my fear of childbirth! Not that I don't love children, but the actual trials of pregnancy and labor and such scare me. However, in the midst of all the tragedy, a message of hope glimmers through the pages, and in the end of the crazy ride it felt like the main characters had come a long way and reached a good place. This book speaks of the power of grace and truth, and perhaps the message is clearer because of all the difficulties presented throughout the story.
It's not a book I imagine picking up again, at least not any time in the foreseeable future, but it is a book with a powerful message that cautions us against being judgmental and uncaring. Mar 15, Melanie Coombes rated it really liked it Shelves: Patti Lacy is a gifted writer. In her novel, The Rhythm of Secrets, she takes readers on a spiritual and beautiful journey from the streets of New Orleans in the s, to Chicago, as well as Thailand in the late s. The book is based loosely on a true story of a woman who has a tragic and sad past.
Sheba has lost her parents in a fire and is sent to live with her stern, no nonsense grandmother. Forced to change her name, Sheba, now known as Sheila, meets a soldier and falls in love. However, Patti Lacy is a gifted writer. However, her soldier soon disappears and Sheila finds out that she is pregnant. Sent to a home for unwed mothers, Sheila is forced to give give up her son. This haunts her throughout her life. She later meets a conservative pastor who she marries and continues with keeping her past a secret. Yet she can never forget the love she felt for her son, Samuel.
More than twenty years later, Samuel tracks down Sheila and confronts her with her past once more. What follows is a tale of lies, secrets and betrayals. Sheila must choose between helping her son rescue his true love in Thailand or keeping her secrets hidden for her husbands sake as his career is advancing in the church.
This is a christian fiction book, but I feel strongly that anyone would enjoy this story. I won this book through the first reads giveaway and want to say thank you for an amazing story. Mar 15, Wendi rated it it was amazing Shelves: It is also the story of the strength redemption and forgiveness that all long for, but only the saved receive freely.
Sheila Franklin is a proper preachers wife; legalistic, responsible…and suffocating. One phone call changes everything. A floodgate is opened and there is no turning back. She must finally tell her story, his story; the whole truth. Samuel Allan is a desperate man. Sheila however, is not what he expected when he planned their meeting. He needs her, more than he could have ever imagined, but his own journey is a dangerous one. One that will put not only his own life in jeopardy, but all those he loves.
The Rhythm of Secrets is a testament of endurance in the face of extreme adversity and through it all, the forgiveness, grace and redemptive power of a God whose love is so strong there is no sin too great, so complete, it can never be undone, so all encompassing, no man is ever truly alone. My cup runneth over. Dec 24, Christy Lockstein rated it really liked it.
The Rhythm of Secrets of Patti Lacy is a poignant look at how racism and prejudice can affect a life. But her son has an reason for approaching Sheila now, one that could destroy them both, and who they love, forever. Lacy has earned a reputation a The Rhythm of Secrets of Patti Lacy is a poignant look at how racism and prejudice can affect a life. Lacy has earned a reputation as a powerful historical novelist unafraid to deal with the brutality of racism with her novel, What the Bayou Saw.
In Rhythm, she tells the tragic story of a woman held down by prejudice. From her life as Sheba in New Orleans, to Sheila Alexander as a teenager attending a private school, to Sylvia who faces the worst humanity has to offer because of a single mistake, to Sheila Franklin, the composed and perfect wife of Edward, Lacy portrays her as sympathetic, yet haunted by her misunderstanding of the nature of God. The story is compelling, yet difficult to read, because Lacy forces readers to see the real face of prejudice.
Whenever it appears, she writes it without whitewash, even when it is incredibly ugly.
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Lacy creates an ongoing theme of music throughout the story that carries Sheila through even the worst of times and ultimately helps her to find the God she so desperately needs. The ending is almost too pat, but the last fifty pages are incredibly tense and action packed. Lacy will deservedly expand her audience with this novel. Feb 15, Sunflower added it Shelves: Set in 's New Orleans, "The Rhythm of Secrets", is a fictional tale that was inspired by a true story; Capturing the mystery and ambiance of New Orleans while wrapping up readers in a tale of romance and intrigue, all the way spinning a tale of "God's Grace", "The Rhythm of Secrets" is not an overnight read, but a tale that will keep you turning the pages and returning to finding out the secrets, the hope and the promise of the characters that, Patti Lacy" masterly captures her readers in.
Wh Set in 's New Orleans, "The Rhythm of Secrets", is a fictional tale that was inspired by a true story; Capturing the mystery and ambiance of New Orleans while wrapping up readers in a tale of romance and intrigue, all the way spinning a tale of "God's Grace", "The Rhythm of Secrets" is not an overnight read, but a tale that will keep you turning the pages and returning to finding out the secrets, the hope and the promise of the characters that, Patti Lacy" masterly captures her readers in.
Theology and Religious Studies. Children's Bibles and Reference. The Rhythm of Secrets A Novel. Sheila Franklin has lived three separate lives. Now a conservative pastor's wife in Chicago, she is skilled at hiding secrets--a talent birthed during childhood romps through the music-filled streets of New Orleans. But when the son she bore at the age of eighteen comes back looking for answers and desperate for help, her greatest secret--and greatest regret--is revealed.
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Eager to right past wrongs, Sheila's heart floods with memories of lyrical jazz music and a worn-out Bible. But when her husband learns of her shady history, Sheila is suddenly faced with an impossible decision: As she struggles to reclaim both her son and her identity, Sheila soon realizes that God's grace spans both seas and secrets and that He is all she really needs. With dynamic writing that makes the reader feel the heartache of a teenage mother, struggle with the disillusionment of an abandoned boy, and revel in the idea of grace despite flaws, rising star Patti Lacy takes her fans on a journey they won't want to end--and won't soon forget.
From the delicious jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the seedy underworld of Bangkok, Thailand, embark on a journey that transcends the mere pages of a book to become a riveting life experience. No longer a 'well-kept secret,' Patty Lacy is a master storyteller who speaks to the soul with a powerful and unique rhythm all her own, weaving a tale so rich with emotion that story and reader become one. I couldn't put it down! If you use that style in the context of a big band or an orchestra, the guitar's going to disappear. The trick is to basically play three-note chords with wide voicings," he said.
And each note sounds as part of a distinct line. You don't just jump from chord to chord. Often you don't play the root because it is usually played by the double bass. For example, here is a C7 voicing G on the 6th string; E on the 4th; Bb on the 3rd; all other strings muted. There is no C in this voicing. And if you just play a plain major chord, you usually make it a sixth chord.
That's another part of the style. Right hand attack is critical, too. It was a revelation; I suddenly understood the Freddie Green sound - up close, a brash honk of a line in an envelope at once harmonic and percussive, with pick sound and string slap adding to the mix. And then there's rhythm. Sometimes you play a little behind the beat; not consciously, but you feel it just a little bit behind. Or if you're playing with someone like Oscar Peterson, you actually move up on top of the beat. It takes years to get your time to that level.
rhythm | The Essential Secrets of Songwriting
Wayne Wright is a guitarist who's played a great deal of rhythm in his career. His mentor in rhythm was none other than the master drummer Elvin Jones. Have you ever heard of Freddie Green? As he spoke, Wright began chunking through some improvised changes, snaking through some neat half-step substitutions and chromatic modulations; again, three-note voicings with clearly discernable lines.
I don't treat these as chords; I treat them as voices - all three. Wright elaborated on the rhythm guitar's function in a group. Elvin Jones told me, 'If you're listening to me and I'm listening to you and we're wrong together, what's stronger than that?