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Second House from the Corner: A Novel of Marriage, Secrets, and Lies Hardcover – February 9, 2016
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"A captivating tale to savor about a woman whose buried past threatens her picture perfect family life. Felicia is a wonderfully flawed, compelling main character, one who has stayed with me long after I finished the book. A winning novel from a writer to watch." -Benilde Little, bestselling author
Felicia Lyons, a stressed out stay-at-home mom, struggles to sprint ahead of the demands of motherhood while her husband spends long days at the office. Felicia taps, utters mantra, and breathes her way through most situations, but on some days, like when the children won’t stop screaming her name or arguing over toy trucks and pretzel sticks, she wonders what it would be like to get in her car and drive away.
Then one evening the telephone rings, and in a split second the harried mother’s innocent fantasy becomes a hellish reality. The call pulls her back into a life she’d rather forget. Felicia hasn’t been completely honest about her upbringing, and her deception forces her return to the Philadelphia of her childhood, where she must confront the family demons and long buried secrets she thought she had left behind.
From a phenomenal fresh voice in fiction, comes the compelling story of what happens when the dream falls apart. Sadeqa Johnson's Second House from the Corner is an unforgettable tale of love, loss, rediscovery, and the growing pains of marriage.
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThomas Dunne Books
- Publication dateFebruary 9, 2016
- Dimensions6.35 x 1.06 x 9.54 inches
- ISBN-101250074142
- ISBN-13978-1250074140
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"So good." ―Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Sadeqa Johnson should take a bow for her latest effort. Fans of 2011's Love in a Carry-On Bag, her first offering, will devour every word." -Essence
"Rich with complex characters, this novel goes beyond a story of frazzled motherhood. The first-person narrative reads like a warm conversation, and the pace stays sharp and steady." -Romantic Times
"Johnson is a skilled storyteller with a breezy style, and the journey of Felicia, a strong African American woman, will have particular appeal for Terry McMillan fans." -Booklist
“Felicia is a protagonist that you’ll laugh with and cry for.” –Pride
"A captivating tale to savor about a woman whose buried past threatens her picture perfect family life. Felicia is a wonderfully flawed, compelling main character, one who has stayed with me long after I finished the book. A winning novel from a writer to watch." -Benilde Little, bestselling author
"Sadeqa is a wonderful writer. We think you'll really enjoy this book." -Troy Johnson, AALBC.com
"I loved Second House from the Corner. Sadeqa was totally in my head at some times (with the mommy stuff!), and I found the ending really, really satisfying. Well earned." -23 Books You Should Read This Winter, Brenda Janowitz, PopSugar
"I loved the characters that Sadeqa Johnson created. The relationship between Faye and Preston was so loving and sexy and Johnson perfectly played out the typical male reaction when he finds that the woman he placed on a pedestal isn't the angel he always believed her to be. I also enjoyed Faye's relationships with her kids - the mature Rory, the needy middle child Twyla (and I loved her nickname, Two) and baby Liv. The author outdid herself with this book and I can't wait to see what she puts out next." -Read in Colour (4 stars)
"[An] excellent novel. She nails those days of rearing young children, how it's deeply rewarding and blindingly frustrating." -NJ.com
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Thomas Dunne Books (February 9, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250074142
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250074140
- Item Weight : 1.08 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.35 x 1.06 x 9.54 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,902,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7,636 in Mothers & Children Fiction
- #13,365 in Black & African American Women's Fiction (Books)
- #20,522 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels including The Reese's Book club pick, The House of Eve. Her accolades include the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award and the Phillis Wheatley Book Award. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three teens.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the author's writing style and relatable characters. The storyline is complex and relevant, with obstacles and trials that keep readers interested. Readers enjoy discussing the book with their book clubs.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an excellent read and a good second novel. The author's previous work, House of Eve, is their favorite.
"...for a book that challenges you and makes you reflect, this one is worth picking up." Read more
"Love the author. The House of Eve is my favorite book." Read more
"slow build but a good read. I would’ve liked a bit more drama and resolution. It felt as if a fire was being built but ultimately it fizzled out." Read more
"...I know her. That is the power of the writing on these pages. Perfect NYC subway read. Kudos Sadeqa on a job well done!!" Read more
Customers enjoy the engaging storyline. They find it pleasant and familiar, with a twisty plot full of secrets and lies. Readers appreciate the interesting relationship drama and flow of the story.
"...Felicia’s journey is intense and relatable, especially for anyone juggling the demands of family life while dealing with unresolved personal issues...." Read more
"I absolutely love her stories! The characters are multidimensional and the stories are just as complex!..." Read more
"...Second House from the Corner is such a pleasant and familiar tale, that I can say Felicia Lyons is a friend as well. I know her...." Read more
"...The writing, pacing, story arc, plot twists are great. The characters are real enough...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find it easy to read with relatable characters and vivid descriptions. The book is a must-read for them.
"...While it’s not a light read, Sadeqa Johnson’s writing is as compelling as ever, drawing you into the emotional complexities of the characters...." Read more
"Love the author. The House of Eve is my favorite book." Read more
"...What I loved about this story was the vivid and sincere writing about the power of your first love and the impact that perception can have on two..." Read more
"...The writing, pacing, story arc, plot twists are great. The characters are real enough...." Read more
Customers enjoy the lifelike characters and their voices. They find themselves rooting for the heroine, even with her flaws.
"I absolutely love her stories! The characters are multidimensional and the stories are just as complex!..." Read more
"...The writing, pacing, story arc, plot twists are great. The characters are real enough...." Read more
"...as Johnson peeled back the layers but it made sense based on how well the character, Bea and her issues were drawn...." Read more
"...Felicia epitomized this. I loved her character. She took risks not knowing if the gamble would be a win or a loss...." Read more
Customers find the story complex and engaging. They appreciate the character's complexity and relatability. The storyline is relevant to modern times, with a sense of hopefulness and determination.
"...And I felt her sense of hopefulness and determination as she attempts to hold on to the the things that she knows are precious and worth fighting..." Read more
"...was a poignant look into marriage and motherhood, and the trials and tribulations of both...." Read more
"...The main character is interesting, complex, and doesn't always move in her best interest (like most humans) so I found that relatable...." Read more
"You won't be disappointed. The story line was so addictive and relevant to our time. You can overcome obstacles from your past and present." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's discussion value. They say it will be fun for their book clubs to discuss it.
"This was a great read. Its going to be fun discussing Tobin my book club. The characters were so lifelike and the ending was perfect." Read more
"Good read. This is a book club selection and generated great discussion." Read more
"My book club loved this book. Great discussion!" Read more
Customers find the book engaging with its relationship drama.
"...The book has something for many readers; there is the thread of marriage, parenting, dealing with self-esteem and eating issues and the chord that..." Read more
"...Interesting relationship drama that keeps the reader’s interest. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author." Read more
"...Great story line! This book kept my attention from beginning to end! Had me wanting more!" Read more
Reviews with images
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Sadeqa Johnson!!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024As a huge Sadeqa Johnson fan, I was excited to dive into Second House from the Corner. However, I found myself starting and stopping the book several times because it felt uncomfortably close to my own life experiences. This isn’t your typical fantasy romantic escape; it’s a deep, sometimes heavy, exploration of motherhood, marriage, and the past catching up with you.
Felicia’s journey is intense and relatable, especially for anyone juggling the demands of family life while dealing with unresolved personal issues. While it’s not a light read, Sadeqa Johnson’s writing is as compelling as ever, drawing you into the emotional complexities of the characters. If you’re looking for a book that challenges you and makes you reflect, this one is worth picking up.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024Love the author. The House of Eve is my favorite book.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024I absolutely love her stories! The characters are multidimensional and the stories are just as complex! I have read all of her books and cannot wait for her next book to come out!!!
I absolutely love her stories! The characters are multidimensional and the stories are just as complex! I have read all of her books and cannot wait for her next book to come out!!!
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024slow build but a good read. I would’ve liked a bit more drama and resolution. It felt as if a fire was being built but ultimately it fizzled out.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2016Second House from the Corner is the author's second novel. When I read her first book Love in a Carry-on Bag, I sent Sadeqa a text and said "I am ready to fall in love again." With Second House from the Corner the Phyllis Wheatly Award winner has once again penned a contemporary womens fiction novel full of warmth and relatable truths. Sadeqa's writing will endear ever reader to her protagnists Felica Lyons struggle to be the best mom and wife on the planet. When Felicia was anxious and frantic, I was as well. When she got flushed, I felt warm too. Sadeqa has a gift to stir all sorts of emotions from you when you read her work. What I loved about this story was the vivid and sincere writing about the power of your first love and the impact that perception can have on two people in relationship. He believes that you are perfect, so you keep a lid on your imperfections. Since working with the author in 2012 I can say that she is a friend. Second House from the Corner is such a pleasant and familiar tale, that I can say Felicia Lyons is a friend as well. I know her. That is the power of the writing on these pages. Perfect NYC subway read. Kudos Sadeqa on a job well done!!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2017Felicia loves her husband and children, but that real love does not drive her care for them. She is driven to be the perfect wife and mother to make up for events from her teenage years that she blames herself for. She feels so guilty about her past that she treats the events like dirty little secrets she can't let anyone know about. When the past confronts her, she makes bad decision after bad decision leading to a major crisis. She has to go home and deal with the past issues before she can forgive herself and move forward.
The writing, pacing, story arc, plot twists are great. The characters are real enough. Some of the scenes are kinda hot; while not distasteful, I did have to skip over them. The ending would have been a disappointing "happily ever after" except for two things. Felicia's continued dishonesty may be yet another bad decision (that would be for the reader to decide). Also, the secondary characters are left with all their faults.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2016I absolutely loved this novel! There is some "Felicia" in all of us, and the degree is determined by each person's personal experience in life. But she is so easy to relate to, whether you're a wife, mother, or not. I moved with her through this glimpse into her life and felt her frustration, her disappointment, and her fear as her life began to unravel. I felt her uncertainty and the pull back into the dark side of her life as she tried to deal with her past and her loss of control. And I felt her sense of hopefulness and determination as she attempts to hold on to the the things that she knows are precious and worth fighting for. This novel left me breathless. I wanted to ditch work and stay home reading until I finished the book (but I didn't, of course). I read "Love in a Carry-on Bag" when it first came out and loved that one, too. Kudos, Sadeqa Johnson! I hope you're out there working on your next novel...I'll be waiting for it!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024Starting reading her books this summer. So good I can’t stop. So far read 2 of her books will definitely continue reading her books!
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put this down
Couldn't put this down. I was sad to get to the end. If there was a sequel, I'd read it!