A House Divided

My book club has read every one of Robert Whitlow’s books, except one. He is one of our all time favorite authors, but we have been a bit disappointed in his last few books. But with his latest book, A House Divided, we declare that he is back! Back with riveting stories full of strong, well-developed characters and plenty of themes to discuss. We give this novel a unanimous highly recommended read designation.

Corbin Gage is a small town lawyer whose practice has seen better days and for the most part, Corbin is to blame. Along with his career, his personal life has been impacted negatively by his drinking. Divorced from a faithful wife and with only strained relationships with his children, the only positive in his life is his show more grandson, Billy. But his alcoholism is about to sever that relationship as well. He has one more chance to make things right . . . will he take it?

Although A House Divided involves a court case, it serves mostly as the foundation for a larger story of choices and consequences. We enjoyed the scenes involving legal strategies both in and out of the courtroom, but it was Corbin and his family that kept us engaged with the story. Corbin is a likable character, even as he insists on ruining his life. Other characters are realistically written and some are more likable than others, though most grew on us. We also liked the look into the workings of AA, and we learned a lot about the 12-step program and how the organization works. A few in our group grew up with alcoholic fathers and the scenes depicting Corbin’s decline rang true. One member stated that it was obvious Whitlow had done his research. Whitlow reprises a theme from one of his earliest novels, The Trial. Prayers are not one-time things, but live on long after the person bringing the requests to God.

Longtime fans of Robert Whitlow will love A House Divided. And if you have never read one of his novels, we recommend this one whole-heartedly!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for book clubs. show less

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow is a 2015 Thomas Nelson publication.

I love a good legal drama/thriller. I rarely find one these days that lives up to the ones I read back in the eighties and nineties, though. I’d heard a few good things about this author, but was unsure of what to expect.

Corbin Gage is an aging lawyer with an alcohol problem. When his ex-wife passes away, it opens a few family wounds. His adult children do not trust him, and some are downright resentful of the way he treated them over the years.

But then he lands what could be a high-profile case when two children develop cancer because of chemical exposure. Though some are skeptical about his ability to handle the case, Corbin intends to rise to the occasion. show more

Well, this was a good story if you are looking for a family drama. If you want a legal drama with courtroom sizzle, you’ll probably be disappointed. The story heavily centers on Corbin’s battle with the bottle, the twelve-step program, etc. This is also a Christian fiction novel, so a spiritual awakening accompanies his journey towards sobriety.

While I have no problem with any of those themes, I found the legal case took a backseat to the family healing and personal dramas. The legal aspects are what I tune in for… looking, I suppose, for something like ‘The Lincoln Lawyer” or an older Steve Martini style story. That said, it’s hard not to like a good redemption story. I’m glad I finally got around to giving this author a try. I will certainly read more of his books and will know better now what to expect in the future.

3.5 stars show less

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Southern attorney and storyteller, Robert Whitlow, author of The Confession, follows with A HOUSE DIVIDED, a mix of family and legal drama, featuring a rural Georgia lawyer in trouble with an alcohol addiction.

Corbin Gage, age sixty-two years old, is damaged. He has been drinking for over forty years. Alcohol has ruined his marriage, and his family. He is no longer close to his family and puts himself at risk with spending time with his much loved grandson, Billy.

His grown children Ray and Roxie, are also attorneys and they hope and pray their dad will change his ways before it is too late. His personal life and professional life show more has suffered due to the bottle.

Corbin takes on a toxic tort case, on behalf of three boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. Because of the lawsuit, Ray’s is forced to work with his father. Roxy’s Atlanta expertise in complex litigation draws her into the drama.

The three have to work together for the good of the community and those innocent victims involved. Can Corbin stay strong enough to make it through the temptation, without a beer, or a shot of whiskey? Will he be able to face his demons while trying to save those in harm’s way; while at the same time, salvage his own family, and redeem himself?

As always, Whitlow delves into the lives of flawed characters, with everyday stresses and temptations. The strong bonds of family with an inspiring, powerful spiritual connection. Ultimately forgiveness, hope, and redemption.

A native of Charlotte, NC, having spent 20 years of my professional life in Atlanta, always enjoy the Atlanta and Georgia landmarks- revisiting familiar places. show less

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