Sins of the Mother

by Patricia H. Rushford

Popularity and fame have created a glimmering facade in Shanna O'Brian's world, but when the spotlight fades, even her success fails to penetrate the darkness of reality. Faced with the heartrending loss of her mother and the man who fashioned her country music career, Shanna must return to the place where her dreams have been both nurtured and shattered, Morningsong Estates.

Upon the death of his father, Shanna's ex-husband, Joshua Morgan, is now in control of her record label and proclaims to her that he loves her still. This unsettling revelation, coupled with Shanna's need to reclaim possession of a life she has too often surrendered to others, leads her down a path of self-discovery that is cruelly threatened by unseen forces.

Can the mayhem surrounding Shanna be resolved despite her fledging faith in herself, her God, and the man determined to redeem her trust?

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction

255 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Patricia H. Rushford, an award winning author and speaker, has extensive experience in writing and has authored over sixty books, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition to having a nursing degree and masters in counseling, she is also an artist and quilter.

The Jennie McGrady Mysteries for young adults have sold well over 500,000 copies. Silent Witness won the Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media and was nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award by Mystery Writers of America. She also wrote the Max & Me Mysteries for middle grade.

The various mystery series for adults continue to receive great reviews. Her series include, The Helen Bradley Mysteries, The Angel Delaney Mysteries, The McAllister Files and her latest, the Artisan Mysteries.

Her newest releases are: Watercolor Dreams, Deadly Deception and The Quiltmaker's Daughter, both are romantic suspense novels featuring artists.
She has been awarded the Golden Quill Award by RWA- Desert Rose Chapter and earned honorable mention in the Silver Angel Awards.

Patricia is a member of ACFW and a number of other writing organizations. She has participated in such mystery events such as Bouchercon--the World Mystery Convention, Left Coast Crime, and other conventions for lovers of mystery and suspense. She manages a website and blog and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads and Linked-in and also generates a newsletter. Called Mysterious Musings.

Additional info at www.patriciarushfordbooks.com

Reviews

[Brian Ming]

This is an older book, but a good story and definitely worth the read. Not only was it easy reading, but at times it was hard to put down. There's a strong story line with a lot of conflict throughout.

The main character, Shanna O'Brien, is conflicted in many ways, mostly due to her mother's doing. She's a mega country star and lives to perform in front of the crowd. Her mother saw to that, at whatever the cost. Unfortunately, the backlash to all these hidden secrets leads to deception, betrayal, and eventually murder.

The story has a number of twists and turns, but ends up in a good place. There's even some romance that develops along the way. I will definitely read more by this author.

[Karen Hsu]

The book was a thinly disguised mystery novel. I appreciate that Rushford tried to do something new, but drama isn't her strength.

Plus, the end just sort of cuts off, which I don't appreciate. Understandably, there is a sequel, but the untied loose ends made me unhappy. I am still undecided whether to read the next book or not.