Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Coming Home #2

Memory Box Secrets

Rate this book
Newlyweds Richard and Sheila Brooks have it all. Sheila is pregnant. Richard’s business is flourishing. Their formerly broken lives have been mended, and life couldn’t be better.

Or so they thought.

Just a few years ago, Richard had thrived in Manhattan’s fast-paced business world, yet that’s the very place he abandoned his faith. Now that his faith is restored, he never planned to return to that old life. But then the New York corporation that once rejected him calls, begging him to come back. Richard knows returning is unwise, but his gut is telling him to go.

Sheila yearns to have something from her childhood to pass on to her child, but when her parents abandoned her years ago, they took all remnants of her past with them. Then, out of the blue, her aging father calls, asking to be let back into her life. Her head screams “no”, but her traitorous heart is saying “yes.”

If Richard and Sheila answer these calls from their pasts, will they risk breaking what they’ve spent so much time mending?

354 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2015

64 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Brenda S. Anderson

34 books400 followers
Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their mischievous twin kitties.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
123 (73%)
4 stars
35 (20%)
3 stars
9 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
3,850 reviews1,759 followers
May 28, 2015
My. Heart. Hurts. Five tissue box alert! This sequel to Chains of Mercy packs an emotional wallop that will leave you reeling. And to 'enjoy' the full impact I suggest you read the books in order.

Anderson has a knack for digging deep into the lives of her characters as she challenges them with impossible scenarios that will either make or break them. This author takes the sage writing advice, 'be mean to your characters' to heart! Perhaps too much so. LOL

Told in multiple points of view, the reader follows various story threads on a thought-provoking journey of grace and sacrifice. Anderson delivers a tale rife with brutal honesty and heart wrenching decisions. Luckily I trust the author or I might just have stopped reading. Memory Box Secrets is real and gutsy and ultimately brimming in hope. A stunning continuation to Richard and Sheila's inspiring story.
Profile Image for Brenda.
243 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2020
Memory box secrets

I loved seeing how Sheila and Richard matured in this book. With the help of God they were able to make difficult decisions. Looking forward to the next book to see where God takes them
570 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2018
Another story on tel love.

This author writes some of th best truth based stories about the struggles Christ followers face in life. How it is not easy, in this world we live in, since we choose to follow the road less travelled. The characters in her stories are so real that it is like you know them. Thank you so much for this work you do. I learn so much from each book I read.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,034 reviews91 followers
April 19, 2015
Memory Box Secrets by Brenda Anderson is the second book in the Coming Home series. I had read the first book Chain Of Mercy, but if you haven't, both books can be read as a stand alone.
I absolutely loved the novel and it's many themes. The predominant themes were of love and families. Sheila had lost contact with her parents when they moved, whilst she was still in college and aged just eighteen. Now eighteen years later Sheila is still hurting from their rejection. She is recently married to Richard and part of his very loving extended family.
Richard has only recently returned to the family fold. For years he worked in New York. He was governed by money and fast living, and was far from God, until a tragedy bought him home. Now Richard runs a faith and family firm, and has the correct priorities. An offer from Richard's previous firm lands on his desk, will he be tempted to return to the city?
Teenager Lauren misses her Mom, who died when Lauren was much younger. She is quiet and bookish, and searching for a mother figure. Then Lauren meets Sheila. Sheila, still searching for that mothers' love, takes Lauren under her wing. The exchanges between the two of them were positively breath taking.
Richard's nephew Nathan knows God, but as a teenager is being tempted by the world. His parents cannot get through to him, but Nathan has always looked up to his Uncle Ricky. Will Richard be able to convince Nathan that God's way of life is better than following the world's path?
Memory Box Secrets demonstrates that families are not just blood relatives. Family can be the people you come across in life, and who you open your heart to.
Memory Box Secrets deals with the theme of adoption. Adoption is not the easy way out nor a callous decision. Adoption motivated by love is always a hard decision, putting the baby's needs above all else. There is the wider adoption of us all ,as being adopted as sons and daughters of God. Which links nicely to the command to 'take care of the widows and orphans'. This too. links in well in Memory Box Secrets.
Love means doing the right thing even when it is hard. Love means putting others ahead of yourself. Love means forgiving again and again, in spite of past knocks. Love permeates Memory Box Secrets.
Forgiveness is another theme in the novel. Dispensing forgiveness can be difficult but must be done in order to move forward in life. Unforgiveness will keep you locked in the past. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the person in the mirror. Forgiveness is a powerful agent for good. Unforgiveness is deadly.
I really enjoyed Memory Box Secrets, and could continue to write about its themes and rave about its characters - all of which are well drawn individuals with unique personality traits, whom I adored - but you don't want to read about how great Memory Box Secrets is...you need to experience it. So download a copy today, and get lost in an excellent book, you will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Michelle Kaderly Welsh.
169 reviews9 followers
May 23, 2015
Memory Box Secrets by Brenda S. Anderson doesn't end the way you expect it to. Like life, the story goes through highs and lows and unexpected twists. As the characters face tough choices, the reader gets to wrestle through the decision making process with them.

While Memory Box Secrets ties up loose ends about what happened to the characters in Chain of Mercy, readers get to know Sheila and Richard better, along with some new characters. Anderson is good at crafting realistic, well-rounded people with their strengths and weaknesses and putting them into tough situations to work through.

In Memory Box Secrets, readers are introduced to the stories of other characters who Anderson could flesh out into their own books. For example, I wish I could have seen Doran's transformation. I think Lauren has a story to tell also.

Readers can see one option for dealing with the tough choices presented. There are likable characters and one I didn't like--Sheila's mom. She's the type of person I don't understand. I felt Sheila's pain and understood her anger. Such feelings attest to Anderson's good character development.

I like how Richard dealt with rebellious Nathan.

This book deals with forgiveness on many different levels. I appreciate how Anderson tackled tough, real-life issues, and wove faith through in a nonthreatening, natural way.

It was a good story, though I thought the ending felt abrupt and a little confusing.
78 reviews
May 7, 2019
Enjoyed seeing how God has worked in these peoples lives

Even being believers of the Lord, we have tough struggles to face in life but love seeing how with their faith they are being led in unselfish ways.
59 reviews
October 3, 2017
Very good. It was well written and I used several tissues before the end. What a super ending allowing your characters to completely follow God's leading and taking the high road for the better of the child. I must read your previous books, thanks for the suggestions.
Author 3 books25 followers
June 14, 2015
MEMORY BOX SECRETS, by BRENDA S ANDERSON is the “second” book in the COMING HOME SERIES. There are three different stories going on simultaneously, with a surprise ending.

Just a few years ago, Richard had flourish in Manhattan’s fast-paced business world, but there was one thing greatly lacking from his life. His faith. After restoring his faith, he never imagined returning to his old life. The New York Corporation that once rejected him, begs him to come back. Richard feels returning isn’t a good idea, but his gut is telling him to go.

Sheila yearns to have something from her childhood to pass on to her child, but her parents left her nothing. Unexpectedly, her aging father calls, asking to reunite. As much as she wants to say no because of all they had done to her, her heart whispers, yes.

I have to admit, Pieces of Granite (Coming Home, Prequel) and Chain of Mercy (Coming Home Book 1), are my favorites of the series.

*Pieces of Granite (Coming Home, Prequel)

When I was given the opportunity to read PIECES OF GRANITE by BRENDA S ANDERSON, I didn't hesitate. I loved her book CHAIN OF MERCY, and I do mean LOVED it. To be honest, once I realized it was going back in time, the excitement diminished a bit. I loved Ricky in CHAIN OF MERCY, yet I had read his story, and knew of his sister Debbie and her family. How would it be to hear about them after already experiencing their lives?

Debbie and Jerry Verhoeven are expecting their second child. One would think they would be overjoyed. Though Debbie may be, Jerry is not. Not only is he not happy about their new child, he is having serious issues knowing she will not be perfect.

I was not prepared to enjoy PIECES OF GRANITE as much as I did, knowing it was going back in time. I loved getting to see another part of Ricky. I was equally intrigued by Debbie and Jerry's neighbor, Lee. I'm secretly hoping there will be a story about him. I was totally engaged in Debbie and Jerry's life.

I cannot adequately express how amazing MS ANDERSON'S writing is. It is near flawless. What I find intriguing is how realistic her stories are. It sounds so basic, yet I never realized how difficult a task it must be to accomplish, because I cannot recall any other author that has written so accurately to every day life, and at the same time keep the story as equally engaging. The honesty and realism is off the charts. I often found myself shaking my head thinking wow; I have felt that or lived that. While reading PIECES OF GRANITE it came to mind that every parent needs to read this book.

Not only was I wrong about it being awkward to read about Ricky after having read his story in CHAIN OF MERCY, I am tempted to reread it, having fallen in love with him all over again in PIECES OF GRANITE.

*Chain of Mercy (Coming Home Book 1)

To say that CHAIN OF MERCY is the first, but not the last book I'll read by BRENDA S ANDERSON, is a huge understatement. If I were only allowed one word to describe this amazing book, it would have to be, WOW!

Richard Brooks is not who he appears to be. Not by a long shot. But that's intentional. He wants nothing more than to rid of the man he once was. Only problem is, he's everywhere he goes.

Sheila Peterson is intrigued by the handsome maintenance man. She never imagined she'd stoop so low as to go out with someone so beneath her, but he'd serve a purpose. Little did she realize what man was hidden behind the façade.

Forgiveness is a huge element in CHAIN OF MERCY on many levels, but it is so much more. The characters, writing, and storyline are beyond amazing. It's not your typical, predictable novel. MS ANDERSON takes you on a journey with surprising twists and turns. Each of the characters is distinct, with tangible personalities. From the very first page, you will be pulled in, and absorbed into the lives of the characters. But it won't stop with the last word. No, CHAIN OF MERCY is bound to remain in your heart forever.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

387 reviews
September 4, 2019
True love

This continuing story of Richard and Sheila's struggle after they were married is truly an inspiring one! A story of true love, a love that sacrifices for another's good, in spite of the pain it brings. I would definitely recommend this book.
4 reviews
July 22, 2018
Great book

Great series. Great read. Will read again. Very heartfelt. Really opened my eyes about adoptive parents and how hard to give a baby up.
20 reviews
November 29, 2020
I could not put this book down. I cried I laughed . I love stories that make me want to be a friend to the characters and this one sure did do that.
Profile Image for Sarah Harden.
223 reviews86 followers
April 24, 2015
Life is rarely easy. It throws plenty at Richard and Sheila, that’s for sure. They have decisions to make, and none of them are easy. Yet through it all, God weaves the threads together to create His masterpiece.

I sometimes avoid reading “women’s fiction” because it is realistic. After all, aren’t fairy tales popular for the very fact that they take us away from reality and into a magical world instead?

And yet, sometimes realistic fiction is exactly what we need as it leaves us with a feeling of hope despite the circumstances in which the characters find themselves.

I enjoyed the variety of characters in Memory Box Secrets. Each seemed genuine (even if that was genuinely disagreeable!), and I felt emotionally connected to each one and the situations they were facing.

The plot was anything but fluff, and the ending was not what I had anticipated, although the outcome kept me wondering throughout the story. I was definitely drawn in and had trouble setting the book down.

If you’re ready for a story with some meat, one that deals with true-to-life struggles yet leaves you filled with hope, you won’t want to miss Memory Box Secrets!

(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Connie.
371 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2015
I love opening a book from Brenda S. Anderson. I am always certain that I will be taken on a journey with her characters. Because this book is one of a series, I already know Richard and Sheila's story. But every new book is a gem all of its' own.
"Memory Box" searches a lot of different aspects of parenting. It continues with Richard and Sheila's theme of life being a little dirty; we don't all have perfect stories, perfect endings, perfect faith, perfect parents, perfect children.
I always find these books of Brenda's compelling. There is always, always, some kernel of truth that drops my spirit to the floor, thanking God for His mercy to me, His wayward child.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
April 21, 2015
Memory Box Secrets by Brenda Anderson is a very emotional, well written book dealing with faith. forgiveness, loss, abstinence,pregnancy and abortion.
This is can be read as a standalone but for full effect, you need to read the prequel and Book 1.
Brenda deals with current issues in a sensitive manner.
I loved how all the characters interacted.Richard and Sheila show their love for each other amidst all the problems in their family.
I look forward to the next book
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
April 22, 2015
This book is a very emotional well written book. The storyline deals with faith. forgiveness, loss, abstinence,pregnancy and abortion. This is book 2 of the Coming Home series but can be read as a standalone. I loved how all the characters interacted and show their love for each other amidst all the problems in their family. I can't wait forthe next book. A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
6,140 reviews
May 20, 2015
Memory Box Secrets is the second installement of the Coming Home series. It is yet another fabulous book written by Brenda S Anderson. She has great talent of pulling a reader into the story. I love continuing with Richard and Sheila's story from the first book of the series. The reader better prepare themselves with a box of tissues. This book has such heart wrenching scenes with real-life issues.
I loved this book. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Fabulous read!
5+ stars
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
June 6, 2015
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. It is another compelling and and emotional read from this author that I very much enjoyed. The characters are very real people that are dealing with very real issues and are dealing with decisions that were made in their past. It is also a story that conveys God's faithfulness and forgiveness. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, I am definitely waiting for the next book in the series.
115 reviews
August 18, 2015
Awesome book

Well written compelling story and believable characters. As the mother of two adopted children I related deep to the tremendous sacrifice e birth parents make in relinquishing a child. It is an a t of unselfish love much like God's gift of his beloved son. I have encouraged my adult children to reach out to their birth parents to whatever extent they were comfortable doing that.
Profile Image for Bhriv.
604 reviews27 followers
August 4, 2016
The Memory Box Secrets by Brenda Anderson is a continuation in the lives of Shiela and Richard with the addition of a few others. It shows how our choices affect not only our lives, but so many other people. I am really excited to read the next book in this series!
I was gifted this book in exchange for my Honest review.
Profile Image for Debi Helgren.
25 reviews
March 16, 2016
So thought-provoking

So many twists and turns, I was captured. It was so tempting to read the whole story in one sitting. I did not anticipate the ending at all. I learned so much about the effects of abortion in general. Only our Father in Heaven can heal and give peace.
3 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2018
Inspiring

This book takes the reader to opposite directions that all come to a wonderful conclusion. I would recommend this book to others.
Profile Image for Janet.
623 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2020
Second book n coming home series about Richard and Sheila's ups and downs. Also about families. Tissues needed!
1,066 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2024
The second book of a 3 book series (plus a prequel) focuses on newly weds Sheila and Richard, and shows the importance of family, no matter how tangled or difficult that may become. It shows how the past can call to us and how we must seek the Lord when it does. It also focuses on the growing pains of some young teens, and the agony of the loss of a child, whether that child is alive or not, plus the difficulty of the decisions made around unplanned pregnancies.
An excellent read, and I look forward to finishing Book 3 qnd the prequel. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Deepeabee .
74 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2021
I felt that the story of Richard had changed and was no longer as believable as the first few books in this series. Great author though.
2 reviews
January 7, 2025
great read!

Touching story. A great picture of God working in their lives serves as a good reminder for all who read this
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.