Secrets over Sweet Tea was not what I expected, but it was so much more! The pick for By The Book’s December discussion, Denise Hildreth Jones’ latest novel was a unanimous thumbs up from my group. Filled with great Southern characters, real-life, messy situations and wonderful writing, this novel is great for group discussions. I loved it and think you will too.

Scarlet Jo Newberry is larger than life. With her bright colors and over-the-top personality, she prays and laughs and meddles her way through life. Lots of people try to avoid her when they see her coming, but for those who become her friend, she is a lifeline. That’s what Grace finds when the life she always wanted comes crashing down.

Secrets over Sweet Tea is a very personal novel. Both Jones and her husband have gone through divorces and not only lived to tell about it, but have allowed God to use them. There is a lot to talk about in this novel — infidelity, guilt, shame, discovering who you are in God. All the characters are flawed, but that’s just the type of people God loves to work in and through.

If you are looking for women’s fiction with a definite Southern twang, check out Secrets over Sweet Tea.

Highly Recommended. ( )

Secrets over Sweet Tea is an in depth study of relationships, and how, as the title alludes, secrets help or hinder this. Denise is a great author, bringing the reader into the heart of the story with vivid imagery, and perceptions.
Scarlett Jo is an in your face neighbor, making you face those hidden parts of yourself you would rather not face, but truly a woman of God, a forever friend who does whatever she does with only good in mind. Really, Denise could not have found a better person to be the keeper of secrets than Scarlett. Tender, deep, sad, and quirky, this novel caused me to look deep into my own relationships with others and together with the characters in this fictional town of Franklin, Tennessee exam them, and the flaws and strengths of them. Are the secrets I keep from my loved ones and friends being kept because if they knew those secrets they would no longer love me? Really? Or do I not tell them because I want to be thought of as better than I am? Maybe those relationships would even be better and deeper if I could trust others to care for me inspite of those secrets. Definitely a book that I need to ponder and reflect on.
I received this book free from Tyndale publishers for the purpose of writing an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own. ( )