The Two Lives Of Joni Rodgers

Joni Rodgers lives two lives (at least within the literary world). One is as a ghostwriter for celebrities. You know all those celebrity-tells-all memoirs? Somebody writes that stuff for them. Same can be said for the celebrity beauty secret books. The celebrity in question may contribute to the writing process but for the most part these are actors, actresses, musicians and athletes, NOT writers and while they may have a story to tell they usually don’t know what prose to use in order to tell it.

When people think celebrity they usually think fluff. I’ll admit that I’ve never read the celebrity memoirs Rodgers has written so I don’t know if her ghostwritten books fit that description. What I do know is that her novels do not. Rodger’s fiction is not easy reading but it is profound. Her latest book, The Secret Sisters , is about three women who must find their way through a very dark time. Each one is grieving a loved one but that’s where their similarities end. Pia, a high powered career woman falls apart after the unexpected death of her husband. Lily actually killed her niece in a drunk driving accident and is now in prison trying to come to terms with what she’s done and her current situation. Then of course there’s Beth, the grieving mother of the little girl who was killed who mouths words of forgiveness that she doesn’t really feel. Yes, I know it’s dark with a capital D but there’s also hope and believe it or not a lot of humor which I think is appropriate. After all, those of us who survive hard times have to find a way to laugh---it’s that or give up and for these women that’s not an option.

In the end this is a fairly amazing story of strength, redemption and personal growth. This isn’t escapism but for many it will be inspirational.

If you would like to learn more about Joni Rodgers be sure to visit her blog.

Kyra Davis
Bestselling Author of:
SEX, MURDER AND A DOUBLE LATTE,
PASSION, BETRAYAL AND KILLER HIGHLIGHTS
and
SO MUCH FOR MY HAPPY ENDING
Pre-order your copy of OBSESSION, DECEIT AND REALLY DARK CHOCOLATE (in stores 09/07)!