One marriage. So many secrets. Can a camera that captures those secrets, exposing them through pictures, save the marriage or send it crashing into the sea? Kelly Whitely is at the height of her career, selling the latest miracle drug to doctors and pharmacies across the country. But concerns about the side effects have her longing for the day when she can quit her high-paying job and really … really focus on saving her marriage and teenage daughter. She keeps trying to talk to her husband, Daniel, about it, but every time she brings it up, he retreats further and further away from her.
Daniel Whitely is a successful marriage counselor and bestselling author, yet secrets from the past have created a chasm between him and Kelly. To make matters worse, the deadline for his second book has come and gone, and he still hasn’t written a single word. But he doesn’t dare tell anyone, not even his wife.
When Daniel inherits an old camera from his grandfather, he notices an inscription on the bottom: “No matter what you think you might see, the camera never lies.”
Daniel begins using the camera, but every time he develops his photos, they threaten to reveal secrets. Secrets about his own career, but also secrets about those around him, including Kelly. With each click of the camera, he risks exposure as a fraud, but if he doesn’t face the truths the photos reveal, what will happen to his marriage? To his family?
- A standalone short novel
- Approximately 60,000 words
- Includes discussion questions, perfect for book clubs
Praise for The Camera Never Lies:
“In his intriguing novel, The Camera Never Lies, David Rawlings challenges us to wonder what our photographs would look like if our souls, not our faces, were captured by the lens. This fascinating story will capture your imagination and your heart.”–Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress
“The camera never lies, and neither does this gripping story about unearthing our deepest secrets in the most fantastical of ways. A message relatable to us all, bottled in an adventure we all love to read.”–Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating Charade
“A thought-provoking look at the real price that secrets extract–not just from the person keeping them, but from their loved ones, too.You’ll close this story and be compelled to examine your own life . . . and also look at those around you and wonder, ‘Who else looks like they have it all together but is drowning on the inside?’”–Jessica Kate, author of Love and Other Mistakes
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The author, David Rawlings, writes an inspirational and enlightening story similar
to those of James Rubart. The Camera Never Lies is full of thought-provoking situations, real connectable characters, and twists that you won’t see coming.
I enjoyed this second book of his as much as The Baggage Handler. Similar style, with a storyline that will leave you scratching your head, bring tears to your eyes, and will give you some, ” Ah, Ha!” moments.
You will definitely come away examining your own life when you turn the last page. I couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommended.
David Rawlings has done it again with his sophomore release. It reminds me of C.S. Lewis writings in that you have to look deeper into the real meaning. To me the camera represents The Holy Spirit shining truth and light on our lives. If we self exam our lives we will see our flaws and try to live more Christ like. It made me do a double take at myself. I loved the writing style, flawed characters, and real life problems with the twist of a camera that reveals secrets. It was a page turner that had me torn to finish and not wanting it to end. I look forward to reading more by this author as his books worm their way into my heart and onto my bookshelves.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A great, original idea! A camera that takes a picture of who a person really is rather than what they project on the outside. You know how it is–people ask you how you’re doing and you always answer, “Oh, I’m fine,” when in reality your world is falling apart. With Daniel Whitely and his family, the facade is cracking and Daniel is at his wits end trying to figure out how to hold it all together. The gift of an old camera from his late grandfather seems to spark even more controversy in Daniel’s life and in those of his daughter and wife. Daniel, who is a great marriage counselor who won’t take his own advice, has to learn that the adage, “Honesty is the best policy” is true. And the camera won’t let him forget it!
“No matter what you think you might see, the camera never lies.” For some reason, I put off reading this book. Boy was that a mistake. I loved this book, and it’s another of Rawling’s that is very thought-provoking.
Daniel is a successful, best selling marriage counselor, while his own marriage is in crisis and his daughter drifts away a little more each day. Daniel inherits an old camera from his grandfather. He soon meets an interesting guy at the camera shop. Frustration mounts when he has his film developed and images appear he doesn’t recall taking, and scenes are revealed that never happened, some of which can potentially ruin his career and personal life.
This book made me wonder, what images would be on the camera if it were mine? Would I see things that would catch me off guard?
I received a copy of The Camera Never Lies from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The underlying message in this book should have been amazing. But the author just does not execute the story well. This book just didn’t draw me in and left me wishing for more. I’m not a Hallmark-movie type fan. And this book was too similar to the perfect wrapped up tightly ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Interesting concept regarding a magical camera that reveals what is hidden…it never lies. Daniel had a secret that if revealed could totally shatter his professional life and complete the break of his already hurting marriage & family. I enjoyed this though-provoking story, a story that reminds the reader that sometimes things that are hidden need to be revealed in order to bring true peace to one’s spirit. I have another of Rawlings’ books on my TBR pile and I’m thinking it needs to be moved up and be read sooner rather than later. Another author to add to my favorites list.
I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. Jon Watson does a great job narrating the book which made for an enjoyable listening experience.
This is a thought provoking book. Daniel received his grandfather’s camera when he passed away. But it’s not just any camera, when the film is developed it shows the truth. Things that people don’t show or tell you. It makes you wonder how well do you know the people around you and are there things that they’re afraid to reveal. A wonderful book!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Well, I finally picked up a David Rawlings book. I bought The Camera Never Lies for my husband, but the day it came I started it and finished it at 10 pm. It definitely held my interest. The premise is so original and interesting I HAD to see what would come of the characters. I’ll certainly be ordering his first book, The Baggage Handler, and am pretty happy a third is due out soon.
Australian author David Rawlings has just won a 2019 Christy Award for his debut novel, The Baggage Handler, so I wanted to find out how his second novel fared in comparison.
Personally, I think it’s even better.
Now, not everyone will agree with me. One of the strengths of The Baggage Handler was that so many readers could find themselves in one of the three characters: the ambitious businessman, the harried housewife, the teen trying to find his own definition of success. The Camera Never Lies has a narrower set of characters, but I found them just as relateable. And they’re still asking a universal question:
What would you do if your secrets were revealed to those around you? The Camera Never Lies is the story of a successful marriage counsellor who refuses to face up to the issues in his own marriage, despite his “No Secrets” tagline. Daniel Whiteley inherits his grandfather’s camera, an old-fashioned film model, the kind where the pictures are true and can’t be manipulated with filters or PhotoShop.
As Simon in the photo shop says, the camera never lies. Or so he thinks. Because when Daniel looks at the photographs, he’s sure they’re not the photos he took. So what are these photos? This is where the slight speculative element comes in, as we discover the camera is a little magical. It captures truth, but not the truth we see …
The Camera Never Lies isn’t overt Christian fiction. It never mentions God or Jesus or church or prayer. But it is definitely a story built on Christian principles—honesty, integrity, and the importance of internal character over the external trappings of success. As such, it’s both a great story, and a great gift … especially for people who would never pick up a Christian novel.
Recommended.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This book made me cringe, and I would like to think that was exactly the author’s intention. This is not a light read, nor an easy read, but it is a necessary read. Truth is in short supply these days. This story is about a family’s work and school life. With this special camera, images reveal what is really happening behind the scenes. Faces appeared bored. Glances are wandering. Reality is revealed. This book made me stop and ponder what I am trying to hid from those around me. In this novel, some of the reality is shown from the beginning. Some details are told later on which help to explain why certain characters acted a certain way. Not everything at the end of the book is happy, but there is definitely resolution. This is a completely unique plot and viewpoint. I would read more by this author. Thanks to#netgalley and #ThomasNelson for allowing me a copy to review. All opinions are my own!
When Daniel’s dear grandfather dies, he leaves Daniel his beloved camera. He knew how his grandfather treasured this camera! On the bottom of the camera is engraved, “No matter what you think you might see, the camera never lies.” Along with the camera, his grandfather left him a small album of some of the photographs he had taken. The photographs were strange, though. No one looked like they were aware of being photographed. No one smiled, either.
As Daniel receives this gift, he is facing lots of problems in his life. His publisher calls often, and he finds he cannot write another best seller. His advance has already been spent! In addition, his marriage is failing, and his daughter is troubled. To top it off, someone is using his camera. He hasn’t taken one picture, and the roll is all used up!
This is an interesting book. It is about facing the truth. It has a valuable message. However, I found it preachy. Also, this plot has been done before. Sadly, I also found it predictable.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Camera never lies
The Camera never lies is a really meaningful book. It can really make you think about life. The book kept my attention which is hard to do sometimes. I found it very interesting.
Daniel received an old camera from his grandfather that just passed away. He has to have the film developed. The pictures reveal things he doesn’t know. The guy that developed the film keeps saying The Camera never Lies. I love this quote from the book:” Perhaps the truth is in your heart. Others might not always see the truth people hold in their heart, but the camera never lies.”
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
All throughout the book I kept having this pop into my head; “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In this story I was hoping for words to set people free from shame, lies, deceit and temptations. The author missed the mark in getting his message across with too many characters with problems and a twist on seeing someone’s inner thoughts.
The main character is a marriage counselor and a bestselling author. He is finding success in his life, but what if it was based on lies? Daniel wasn’t easy to like because he just felt like a person who goes through the motions but his heart isn’t really there. Over and over he continues to help couples while his own marriage is in shambles. It is funny that there were signs that his life was turning upside down, but he pushed it aside until pictures he takes with a special camera makes him face reality.
There is a lot going on in the book and at times I felt it was too busy. We have a man on the brink of disaster, a wife who has to choose between integrity or hiding the truth about her company and a troubled daughter who screams for help but no one hears her. I understand where the author was going with the book, but I wanted more meat and less whining. I may be one of the few but I was’t as blown away about the book as others. I didn’t see any faith elements in the book but perhaps the author had that thought while letting us glimpse inside characters thoughts. Secrets are huge in this book and as we all know they always find a way to come out.
I liked the book to a point but I guess I could already figure out what was going to happen. I wanted the author to give examples of what happens if a character chooses the wrong path or even giving readers a reason to sympathize with characters. I didn’t really like Simon and couldn’t quite connect with him. He didn’t seem to fully have compassion for others and almost couldn’t wait for the pictures to expose the truth of someone’s thoughts. Although I didn’t like the book as much as others, I hope readers will give the book a try and come to their own conclusions.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This book was intriguing. Daniel, a counselor, and his wife Kelly, a pharmaceutical sales rep, both are hiding secrets from each other and the world around them. All families have problems, and Daniel is just chalking theirs up to stresses of daily life. However, when his grandfather passes away, and he inherits the old camera his grandfather owned, his viewpoint is altered. It’s very interesting how the camera took pictures of what was going on in their hearts and not the outward appearance. As Daniel takes pictures, truth is revealed and it’s not what he wants to see. Now, he is faced with a dilemma. He can deny the truth and continue down the path he’s on, or face the truth and do something about it.
I think you will enjoy this read. It is a relatively short, easy read that flows smoothly and subtly incorporates truth and faith into the plot. I wouldn’t say its overtly Christian, just mysteriously so… Their an air of mystery, and some supernatural elements, that keep it interesting.
I received this book from the publisher and Celebrate lit for tour participation. I was not asked to review this book positively and all opinions are my own.
“No matter what you think you might see, the camera never lies.”
Because I heard so many positive remarks about “The Baggage Handler”, I decided to give “The Camera Never Lies” a try. Photography doesn’t really interest me, although I do enjoy looking at nature and wildlife photos, and I have never been a fan of having my picture taken. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled when I skimmed the synopsis, either. Had I not read so many favorable reviews when this author’s previous book toured with CelebrateLit, I likely wouldn’t have signed up to review this one, and I’m glad that I did!
Blending elements of magical realism and allegory, David Rawlings’ “The Camera Never Lies” explores the secrets that we hide and the consequences to which they lead. This story reminds me of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” television series, and I can easily envision it as an episode; likewise, if this book had a theme song, I think that Natalie Grant’s “The Real Me” would be a perfect fit. Rawlings offers great insight into the human psyche and how one lie leads to a cascade effect, even subtle lies such as pretending that things are fine when they’re not. Using a camera to develop the ideas in the narrative is brilliantly apropos because “[t]he camera reveals how our lives truly are. We can’t trick it, even if sometimes we think we can trick ourselves and everyone around us.” Furthermore, “Truth cannot simply be avoided, covered up, or ignored, and the camera chooses the truth it shows.” The symbolism also works well, as with the fictional prescription drug Mendacium, which references the term “mendacious” and its Latin etymology from words meaning “lying” and “fault.” The revelations from the storyline filter through the lens of truth, exposing the lies.
One aspect of this book that I did struggle with was the characters. I didn’t particularly like any of them, with the occasional exception of Simon, nor did I feel a personal connection with any of them. I found myself groaning and rolling my eyes a bit with David, in particular, but to be fair, his reactions are believable and his approach to life is essential to the plot’s execution. Also, although there is no direct mention of faith, there are easy parallels to Christianity throughout the text and in the theme of uprightness vs. deceitfulness. Sometimes we, like Kelly, might think that honesty doesn’t always work, but as Simon tells her, “Well, sometimes your honesty doesn’t produce results you can see with your eyes. Sometimes the results are about your own integrity.” This immediately brought to mind Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It all comes down to trust. We have to decide who or what we are going to trust in, ourselves or the Lord, and when we choose to trust in Jesus, we find the truth, the way, and the life. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Im not sure what I was expecting from this book but it is different than what I thought. And in a good way! Counselor Daniel Whiteley seems to be able to fix everyone’s marriage except his own! It is when he inherits an old case with his grandfather’s camera in it that he begins to see just what the camera picks up about people.
This is a book I really enjoyed. David Rawlings kept me in just enough mystery to make me keep reading until I finished the book. The characters were awesome, and their development throughout the story was strong. Even though this is fiction, I learned a lot from Daniel. His counseling tips can be used by anyone. And I loved the wisdom and guidance of his grandfather through the old camera and the photos. Some of the recent photos taken were a little disturbing, but you need to read the book to find out about this, knowing this info will ruin the read for you. This is a pretty fast read, and I’m finding that Mr. Rawlings is an author I want to hear more from. I cant wait for his next book! This is just an all around great read that I highly recommend.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book hit me more deeply than I would ever like to admit. It wasn’t so much the storyline with the individual characters, because in all honesty I didn’t really relate to them. I actually felt pretty distant from them, but maybe it’s because of what I was really focusing on. The biggest takeaway from this novel was from what was learned from the camera. It’s not just about keeping secrets from others–but refusing to see the truth ourselves. It’s the hiding behind a smile because you don’t want to deal with the hard feelings. It’s the feelings you didn’t even realize you had until you’re confronted with the truth. And the hardest part of all of it is that you can’t start to heal until you acknowledge the truth. This was a highly thought-provoking read that gets the reader to look at themselves and how they would handle the situations. Because here’s the deal, whether or not you can relate personally to Daniel or his family throughout the read, you can still contemplate how you would feel and react when you are forced to be vulnerable, or a secret you’ve tried keeping is revealed, or truth is discovered that throws you for a loop, or any other number of circumstances that threaten your peace. I don’t want to share too much because I don’t want to be a spoiler but this was one powerful read that I know is going to stay with me for a very long time.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I would never wish to have a camera like this one. I think it would be very scary to have a camera take pictures where every truth comes out. I would not want the responsibility to help these people. This story made me laugh and cry. The characters were not always real likable but that is just like real life. This was a wonderful book. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
But the truth can’t set you free if you keep it hidden.
How easily white lies, fudged truths, become tangled webs of deceit and confusion. Daniel spins a sticky web that becomes not a safe cocoon but a suffocating mask. He thought he could skirt the consequences of keeping his secrets hidden but the more he scrambles to hide the truth the tighter the web constricts. I wanted to throttle Daniel every time he repeated his [SPOILER] mantra.
Kelly, too, and for very different reasons, faces a battle of integrity. The cost of her compromise is steep and heart wrenching.
Mr. Rawlings’ stories are filled with such passion, the characters so alive, the situations so raw. In his telling, he probes not only the characters on the pages but the reader turning the pages.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Camera Never Lies, David Rawlings
The Camera Never Lies is the first book I have read by David Rawlings and it will definitely not be the last. The writing style and story line is a little bit different than what I am used to, which I found to be a nice change to read something a little unique. I enjoyed this quick read and meeting Daniel. It was interesting to take the journey with him and the lessons he learned about life. It was really thought provoking and made me stop to think about some things throughout. What a magical tale that needed to be told! I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I am giving The Camera Never Lies four and a half stars. I would love to read more by Mr Rawlings in the near future. This one is definitely worth a read. I think many readers would enjoy this clean and inspiring story.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.