A House Divided

Robert Whitlow writes a really good story. When I read the synopsis, I wasn't sure I could handle the "hero" and his personal demons. I was however, pleasantly surprised by the way that Mr. Whitlow layered the character without making him look pathetic. he wasn't perfect mind you, but there was just something likeable at the core. The story itself is well crafted and flowed really smoothly and evenly. The legal aspects were interesting and understandable. I liked the inclusion of the hero's family and all the dynamics that brought to the story. I would definitely like to read more from Mr. Whitlow.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Whitlow’s newest book is about a family of lawyers. It opens with the funeral of an ex-wife and mother of two and moves on from there to deal with the issues of the alcoholic father. Not having been around many persons who deal with the issues of being an alcoholic, I was intrigued by many of the descriptions. The closest I could come to identifying with an addiction would be an addiction to food. I also learned a lot about the Alcoholics Anonymous as Corbin worked his way through the twelve steps and had the support of friends in the process. Whitlow also gave us a perspective on the workings of large vs. small law firms. I know there are good lawyers but Whitlow gave us several in this book to really dislike. One of the things that I especially liked about the book was how he presented faith. Not only was it presented as part of AA but he presented it in relation to the family. He demonstrated how the family was ultimately drawn closer by their faith.
The only thing that I struggled with was early on the switching between family members. I guess I am just easily confused. But I eventually got the hang of it. This book is definitely worth the read. I had trouble putting it down.
I received this book from the publisher in exchanged for an honest review.

I have seen Robert Whitlow’s books compared to those by John Grisham but I personally prefer Whitlow’s. Their books are similar in that many of them focus on legal cases and trials but when I read Grisham’s novels, I found myself bogged down in too many legal details that detracted me from the actual story. Robert Whitlow seems to include just enough facts to keep his story plausible but tends to focus more on his characters (at least that is my opinion).

In “A House Divided” the reader meets the Gage family. Corbin, the father is a lawyer as are both his children, Ray and Roxy. Although they share careers, their family is broken mostly due to Corbin’s long history of alcoholism. Corbin accepts an extremely risky case that has far-reaching effects that changes the lives of his entire family.

There were times that the storyline seemed to move slowly and it was difficult for me to keep reading. I did persist and I was glad I did because this book has a wonderful redemptive theme. I particularly liked the way the two most resistant characters turned their lives around and turned to the Lord. In fact, both of them had experiences where they felt they had received direct revelation from Him. The details about Alcoholics Anonymous were interesting and Corbin’s experiences were quite believable. I also liked the way the case was resolved which made it more realistic than a huge victory might have been.

Once again Whitlow proved to me how well he understands people and how skillfully he is able to express himself. I recommend “A House Divided” to all who enjoy a good legal novel.

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow is a legal thriller along the lines of John Grisham.
About the Book Corbin, a longtime legal champion for the downtrodden, is slowly drinking himself into the grave. His love for “mountain water” has cost him his marriage to the godliest woman he knows, ruined his relationship with his daughter, Roxy, and reduced the business at his small Georgia law firm to a level where he can barely keep the bill collectors at bay. But it isn’t until his son, Ray, threatens to limit Corbin’s time with his grandson that Corbin begins to acknowledge he might have a problem.
Despite the mess that surrounds his personal life and against the advice of everyone he knows, Corbin takes on a high-stakes tort case on behalf of two 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. The lawsuit becomes a tornado that sucks Corbin, Ray, and Roxy into an increasingly deadly vortex. Equally intense pressure within the family threatens to destroy, once and for all, the thin threads that connect them.
Corbin must find the strength to stand up to his personal demons. Justice for two dying boys depends on it . . . his family depends on it.
“Fans of John Grisham will find much to like here.”
—Library Journal of The Confession My Thoughts Corbin Gage, a lawyer, has become the laughing stock of the small Georgia town of Alto, where he practices. His secretary is running his law firm and the firm is running on fumes.
Drinking estranged him from his wife. It also alienated him from his son, Ray and his daughter, Roxy and now his son is threatening not to let him see his grandson. One day Branson Kilpatrick, a friend of Corbin's, comes into his office with a problem. His grandson is suffering from cancer. Corbin knows of other children that have cancer, too. Despite everyone's advice, especially his children's, Corbin decides to take on a fertilizer company. The company also happens to be the largest employer in Alto.
Robert Whitlow has written another winning story of our justice system. Integrating the story of a small town lawyer, who also happens to be the town drunk, Whitlow takes a scoundrel and turns him into a hero. For information about Robert Whitlow, you can visit him at: http://www.robertwhitlow.com/
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

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 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.

Readers who enjoy John Grisham books will love this book. This is a very believable story with very likeable characters.. This story shows the struggles families go through when a loved one is an alcoholic. It also gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of lawyers. Very good legal novel!

Another great title by Robert Whitlow! Thank you for sharing this title on NetGalley. NetGalley is a major resource for us as we seek new materials for our library and book clubs.