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When Sparrows Fall: A Novel
Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them--for herself, and for her children. A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling method of ruling his flock. But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets from her past, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.College professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?From the Trade Paperback edition.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 2, 2011
Because of personal issues I struggled with since a child and my early years in a ministry run by controlling, joyless leaders, it took years for me to believe that God is just as delighted in seeing me joyful as He was in giving me life. That He reserves good gifts for me. That He cherishes me. That following Him isn’t all about a list of do’s and don’t's. That I am free to delight in and cherish Him.
This is the central issue of Meg Moseley’s debut novel, When Sparrows Fall.
Her main character, Miranda Hanford, is in the process of breaking free from a narrow community run by wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing Mason Chandler. The problem is Miranda’s so used to hiding her true self and denying her dreams that she barely knows who she is anymore. And what scares her is that freeing herself involves bringing all things into the light—including the secrets she buried deep long ago.
Miranda’s charming children–six of them–provide strong motivation for her to take the necessary steps to save herself and her family. Though her journey is filled with pain and fear, it’s also buoyed by surprising touches of joy–which brings us to her handsome brother-in-law, Jack. (Miranda is a widow). Jack adds just the right amount of protection and romance to keep Miranda moving forward in spite of Mason Chandler’s threats and intimidation. I turned pages quickly to discover what secrets were binding Miranda and to enjoy the relationship developing between her and Jack!
God used this book to remind me that sometimes He allows His sparrows to fall. But it may be His way of freeing a stubborn child from a life-draining situation and drawing her to Himself. Though the fall might involve fear and pain, never doubt that underneath are the Everlasting Arms!
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” ~Matthew 10:29-31
This is the central issue of Meg Moseley’s debut novel, When Sparrows Fall.
Her main character, Miranda Hanford, is in the process of breaking free from a narrow community run by wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing Mason Chandler. The problem is Miranda’s so used to hiding her true self and denying her dreams that she barely knows who she is anymore. And what scares her is that freeing herself involves bringing all things into the light—including the secrets she buried deep long ago.
Miranda’s charming children–six of them–provide strong motivation for her to take the necessary steps to save herself and her family. Though her journey is filled with pain and fear, it’s also buoyed by surprising touches of joy–which brings us to her handsome brother-in-law, Jack. (Miranda is a widow). Jack adds just the right amount of protection and romance to keep Miranda moving forward in spite of Mason Chandler’s threats and intimidation. I turned pages quickly to discover what secrets were binding Miranda and to enjoy the relationship developing between her and Jack!
God used this book to remind me that sometimes He allows His sparrows to fall. But it may be His way of freeing a stubborn child from a life-draining situation and drawing her to Himself. Though the fall might involve fear and pain, never doubt that underneath are the Everlasting Arms!
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” ~Matthew 10:29-31
May 28, 2011
When Meg Moseley gave birth to her third child 20 years ago, doctors cautioned her against having any more babies, fearing that another difficult pregnancy might jeopardize her life.
So Moseley and her husband decided three was the magic number, at least for their family.
Then came an unexpected hospital visit from a couple of women who, like Moseley, had chosen to home-school their children.
These women "thought it was wrong to be limiting children, although the doctors said I was looking for trouble if I had more," Moseley recalled. "I felt intense pressure from (these) people who actually came to me in my hospital room and put their propaganda in my hands, which I put in the waste basket."
Moseley's unwelcome bedside visitors were involved in what is commonly called "Quiverfull" -- a movement within segments of conservative evangelical and Catholic Christianity that eschews all forms of birth control and teaches that the only faithful response to childbearing is to have as many children as possible, leaving the number and frequency up to God alone.
Quiverfull takes its name from a verse in the Psalms that says: "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them."
The movement has appeared in various contexts throughout history; most recently, the ever-growing Duggar brood on TLC's "19 Kids and Counting," has popularized a charming tribe of devout Baptists in Arkansas who hope to have even more children, if it's God's will.
Moseley's encounters with adherents of the Quiverfull ideology led her to write a novel, "When Sparrows Fall," published earlier this month, about a young home-schooling mother of six children trapped in the movement's most extreme manifestation: An all-consuming, separatist community of Quiverfull faithful who are shepherded by a domineering, corrupt religious leader.
The novel is not what one might expect. Far from a saccharine story of automatons terrorized by their spiritual leader, Moseley's characters are complex and nuanced, rounded out with a romantic subplot as compelling as it is surprising.
Moseley says her characters are completely fictional, but elements of the plot and the ideas expressed are based on real experiences.
Moseley home-schooled three children -- now ages 30, 27 and 20 -- all the way through high school. It didn't start with a conviction that "this was God's way for us," Moseley said. It was more practical.
When her eldest child turned 5, the Moseleys were leery of putting their daughter on a public school bus with a bunch of "big, rough boys" from their neighborhood.
"We just couldn't stand to do that to our little 5-year-old," she said. "We thought, 'How hard could kindergarten be? Let's do home school."
At the end of the school year, pleased with their experience, they decided to do it again. Their youngest graduated in 2009.
"As time went on we saw good results. We saw good academic results. We saw fun. We saw the love of learning and we just kept going," said Moseley, who now lives outside Atlanta.
"Looking back now, I sometimes wish I had not done that. They have done well, but I think that I could have done better by putting them in school. ... Parents do the best that they can and then they look back and say, 'Oh, I wish I'd known what I know now."'
Moseley is quick to say that she has "many perfectly normal friends" who home-school their kids. "I certainly don't want to imply that all home-schoolers believe you should have as many children as you can. Not everyone thinks that," she said.
In part, what led the author to write her novel was a desire to push back against a "glamorization" of the Quiverfull movement in the media, particularly with the Duggars, which "doesn't show the dark side" of the movement.
"It's just not as pretty as it looks on TV sometimes. The leaders of the movement, or at least the fathers of these individual families, have the best of intentions. They think they're doing the godly thing and if God wants to give them umpteen children then God bless them, let them come.
"But so many of these families are struggling to survive financially," she said.
Mothers who are full-time home-schoolers can't or aren't allowed to work outside the home, which makes time and finances tight, leaving some childcare of the younger children to the older children.
"That can work if it's done right. But it can also be a hotbed of resentment among the children because they feel they are being used and abused," she said. "I don't believe that's what God intends when he gives children to parents."
So Moseley and her husband decided three was the magic number, at least for their family.
Then came an unexpected hospital visit from a couple of women who, like Moseley, had chosen to home-school their children.
These women "thought it was wrong to be limiting children, although the doctors said I was looking for trouble if I had more," Moseley recalled. "I felt intense pressure from (these) people who actually came to me in my hospital room and put their propaganda in my hands, which I put in the waste basket."
Moseley's unwelcome bedside visitors were involved in what is commonly called "Quiverfull" -- a movement within segments of conservative evangelical and Catholic Christianity that eschews all forms of birth control and teaches that the only faithful response to childbearing is to have as many children as possible, leaving the number and frequency up to God alone.
Quiverfull takes its name from a verse in the Psalms that says: "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them."
The movement has appeared in various contexts throughout history; most recently, the ever-growing Duggar brood on TLC's "19 Kids and Counting," has popularized a charming tribe of devout Baptists in Arkansas who hope to have even more children, if it's God's will.
Moseley's encounters with adherents of the Quiverfull ideology led her to write a novel, "When Sparrows Fall," published earlier this month, about a young home-schooling mother of six children trapped in the movement's most extreme manifestation: An all-consuming, separatist community of Quiverfull faithful who are shepherded by a domineering, corrupt religious leader.
The novel is not what one might expect. Far from a saccharine story of automatons terrorized by their spiritual leader, Moseley's characters are complex and nuanced, rounded out with a romantic subplot as compelling as it is surprising.
Moseley says her characters are completely fictional, but elements of the plot and the ideas expressed are based on real experiences.
Moseley home-schooled three children -- now ages 30, 27 and 20 -- all the way through high school. It didn't start with a conviction that "this was God's way for us," Moseley said. It was more practical.
When her eldest child turned 5, the Moseleys were leery of putting their daughter on a public school bus with a bunch of "big, rough boys" from their neighborhood.
"We just couldn't stand to do that to our little 5-year-old," she said. "We thought, 'How hard could kindergarten be? Let's do home school."
At the end of the school year, pleased with their experience, they decided to do it again. Their youngest graduated in 2009.
"As time went on we saw good results. We saw good academic results. We saw fun. We saw the love of learning and we just kept going," said Moseley, who now lives outside Atlanta.
"Looking back now, I sometimes wish I had not done that. They have done well, but I think that I could have done better by putting them in school. ... Parents do the best that they can and then they look back and say, 'Oh, I wish I'd known what I know now."'
Moseley is quick to say that she has "many perfectly normal friends" who home-school their kids. "I certainly don't want to imply that all home-schoolers believe you should have as many children as you can. Not everyone thinks that," she said.
In part, what led the author to write her novel was a desire to push back against a "glamorization" of the Quiverfull movement in the media, particularly with the Duggars, which "doesn't show the dark side" of the movement.
"It's just not as pretty as it looks on TV sometimes. The leaders of the movement, or at least the fathers of these individual families, have the best of intentions. They think they're doing the godly thing and if God wants to give them umpteen children then God bless them, let them come.
"But so many of these families are struggling to survive financially," she said.
Mothers who are full-time home-schoolers can't or aren't allowed to work outside the home, which makes time and finances tight, leaving some childcare of the younger children to the older children.
"That can work if it's done right. But it can also be a hotbed of resentment among the children because they feel they are being used and abused," she said. "I don't believe that's what God intends when he gives children to parents."
March 9, 2016
The writing and characterization were very good. The story line itself though didn't fully capture my interest. I was constantly wondering why the topic was chosen. The author note at the end didn't shed any light on that question for me unfortunately.
As a young woman and college student, Miranda becomes involved with a radical or fanatical religious man several years older. That relationship led to years of involvement with a church that was very exclusive and restrictive.
Brother in law Jack steps in with a heavy dose of reality and humor. His character brought so much to the story. I loved how he called two of the sons the "archangels" and kept thinking Jonah's name was Noah.
The writing truly was well done and I look forward to reading other novels by the author.
As a young woman and college student, Miranda becomes involved with a radical or fanatical religious man several years older. That relationship led to years of involvement with a church that was very exclusive and restrictive.
Brother in law Jack steps in with a heavy dose of reality and humor. His character brought so much to the story. I loved how he called two of the sons the "archangels" and kept thinking Jonah's name was Noah.
The writing truly was well done and I look forward to reading other novels by the author.
March 25, 2011
I couldn’t put this book down.
The author crafted a masterful story. Not only were the characters unique (some of the most unique I have read), but I was blown away time and time again by their fresh perspective. You “see” the world through the character’s eyes to the point I would read a description and immediately know that yes, I have seen that. The metaphors for the setting, similes between characters, it painted a beautiful picture with the words and was one reason I couldn’t stay away from the pages.
Aside from the stand-out word painting, the storyline kept it grounded. It’s a unique setting amongst a religious “cult” that isn’t really talked about— and is too in-depth to go into in a short review. Let me say this: there is a slight element of suspense, the details behind Miranda’s past and why it brought her to this moment kept me flipping fast with no idea what the next page held.
The children and their love coupled with Jack’s devotion add spice to the story. Humor relives pressure several times and I laughed and shared lines aloud with family on more than one occasion.
There is really one word for this book: unique and un-put-down-able. Okay that’s two. Yes, it was THAT good.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
The author crafted a masterful story. Not only were the characters unique (some of the most unique I have read), but I was blown away time and time again by their fresh perspective. You “see” the world through the character’s eyes to the point I would read a description and immediately know that yes, I have seen that. The metaphors for the setting, similes between characters, it painted a beautiful picture with the words and was one reason I couldn’t stay away from the pages.
Aside from the stand-out word painting, the storyline kept it grounded. It’s a unique setting amongst a religious “cult” that isn’t really talked about— and is too in-depth to go into in a short review. Let me say this: there is a slight element of suspense, the details behind Miranda’s past and why it brought her to this moment kept me flipping fast with no idea what the next page held.
The children and their love coupled with Jack’s devotion add spice to the story. Humor relives pressure several times and I laughed and shared lines aloud with family on more than one occasion.
There is really one word for this book: unique and un-put-down-able. Okay that’s two. Yes, it was THAT good.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
June 14, 2011
"When Sparrows Fall" was a wonderfully written novel that captured my attention from page one and never let it go. This was a book that once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
I liked almost everything in this book, especially how Jack would call Michael and Gabriel (Miranda's two middle children) "the archangels" and that Miranda named her camera "Jezebel", because her church had forbidden her to use it to make money.
Some of the things I didn't like in the book were:
That the story jumped ahead - sometimes by weeks.
How Jack would openly defy Miranda and the rules she had in raising her children.
That Jack secretly, on three different occasions, gave Miranda a pain pill which he knew she did not want to take.
The reason I listed numbers 2 and 3 is because the book makes it seem as though what Jack did was right. I think the last one bothers me the most. I know if I didn't want to take pain medication and someone secretively put it into my food, I would be so angry that I would have a hard time trusting that person again. It's because of these reasons that I'm giving this book 4 1/2 stars.
Overall this is a well-crafted novel that is an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and you can't help but fall in love with Miranda's children. I think that Meg Moseley did a superb job for her first novel. I highly recommend reading "When Sparrows Fall".
Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was not required to give a positive review, only to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I liked almost everything in this book, especially how Jack would call Michael and Gabriel (Miranda's two middle children) "the archangels" and that Miranda named her camera "Jezebel", because her church had forbidden her to use it to make money.
Some of the things I didn't like in the book were:
That the story jumped ahead - sometimes by weeks.
How Jack would openly defy Miranda and the rules she had in raising her children.
That Jack secretly, on three different occasions, gave Miranda a pain pill which he knew she did not want to take.
The reason I listed numbers 2 and 3 is because the book makes it seem as though what Jack did was right. I think the last one bothers me the most. I know if I didn't want to take pain medication and someone secretively put it into my food, I would be so angry that I would have a hard time trusting that person again. It's because of these reasons that I'm giving this book 4 1/2 stars.
Overall this is a well-crafted novel that is an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and you can't help but fall in love with Miranda's children. I think that Meg Moseley did a superb job for her first novel. I highly recommend reading "When Sparrows Fall".
Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was not required to give a positive review, only to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
March 1, 2011
Miranda Hanford is a wonderful character that you will fall in love with immediately. She is the widowed mother of six blond headed, home-schooled, precocious children. Her husband, Carl, died two years ago when he fell from the roof while doing repairs. Miranda was left with six children to raise on a small secluded homestead. A life insurance policy has provided just enough income to help and her church also sends a small monthly amount from the benevolence fund.
But the church is not a main stream church. It is a small church that we would call, "legalistic" in the kindest of terms. Pastor Mason is a controlling pastor who tells the families how they should live, what they should wear, how to eat and even why they shouldn't take prescription medication (it's basically of the devil). Yeah, if you want to say "cult" you would not be far off. But probably the better thing would to say they are a controlling legalistic group that lives in "old fashioned" ways.
Pastor Mason has just come to the congregation and told them that he has a word from the Lord that they should all move to another state, to another small community and start up a new church ministry there. He wants everyone to put their houses on the market, sell them, tithe off of the sales and move with him to the new community.
Miranda doesn't want to move. She appears stubborn. But she doesn't want to uproot her family. There is also a hidden secret that has her tied to this property. Obviously Pastor Mason is not happy with Miranda. But she decides to not tell him she is not going but to just drag her feet until he moves with the others.
Miranda has a premonition about this time that something might happen to her and she changes her will. Instead of leaving custody of her children to Pastor Mason and his wife Abigail, she decides to make their legal guardian their Uncle Jack. Now, she has only met Uncle Jack once, although she has received many letters over the course of several years. But when Jack came to met the family (Carl is his step-brother) he found Miranda on the porch and sat and talked with her for a few hours until his step-brother Carl came home. Carl was not pleased to see Jack. He ordered him off the land and told him to never return.
Jack complied but wrote letters to Carl and Miranda. Miranda read each of them, but Carl refused.
Anyway, Miranda names Jack as the legal guardian and then promptly falls off a cliff and is seriously injured. Enter Jack. He receives a phone call from his nephew Timothy who reads the will to him and is told about Miranda's accident. Jack, a college professor of literature, leaves work, takes a medical leave and moves in with the family.
That's when worlds collide. The home-schooled, conservative, religious legalism of Miranda verses the world wise PHD professor of literature.
Jack is kind and considerate, but makes it his project to rescue the children from their seclusion and bring them into the world of today. He also wants to rescue Miranda because it is obvious that she has a hidden secret and has been under the control of Pastor Mason (and her deceased husband) for way to long. Little does Jack know that Miranda has already decided to leave the church.
Their worlds do collide, but there is a wonderful romantic tension that also develops.
Bottom line. Jack and Miranda fall in love. Jack falls in love with the children as well. Miranda makes some important choices, some difficult choices and reveals the secret of her past that she fears may destroy her life and that of her family.
Pastor Mason does not come off looking to well in this novel. But that makes this even more believable because Meg Moseley describes his church and his actions very well and very correctly for how a small percentage of pastors operate. BUT, Meg also includes good reference to pastors who are humble, loving and provide for their flocks in wonderful ways.
I was caught by this story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. It was good that I read it while on vacation so that I didn't have work to interfere with my reading. There are great moral lessons in the book. There are great Biblical lessons in the book. There are so many things to learn and think about that you will be challenged while reading a great novel to think about your own set of values and what is important to you.
I can't wait for Meg's next book.
Enjoy!
But the church is not a main stream church. It is a small church that we would call, "legalistic" in the kindest of terms. Pastor Mason is a controlling pastor who tells the families how they should live, what they should wear, how to eat and even why they shouldn't take prescription medication (it's basically of the devil). Yeah, if you want to say "cult" you would not be far off. But probably the better thing would to say they are a controlling legalistic group that lives in "old fashioned" ways.
Pastor Mason has just come to the congregation and told them that he has a word from the Lord that they should all move to another state, to another small community and start up a new church ministry there. He wants everyone to put their houses on the market, sell them, tithe off of the sales and move with him to the new community.
Miranda doesn't want to move. She appears stubborn. But she doesn't want to uproot her family. There is also a hidden secret that has her tied to this property. Obviously Pastor Mason is not happy with Miranda. But she decides to not tell him she is not going but to just drag her feet until he moves with the others.
Miranda has a premonition about this time that something might happen to her and she changes her will. Instead of leaving custody of her children to Pastor Mason and his wife Abigail, she decides to make their legal guardian their Uncle Jack. Now, she has only met Uncle Jack once, although she has received many letters over the course of several years. But when Jack came to met the family (Carl is his step-brother) he found Miranda on the porch and sat and talked with her for a few hours until his step-brother Carl came home. Carl was not pleased to see Jack. He ordered him off the land and told him to never return.
Jack complied but wrote letters to Carl and Miranda. Miranda read each of them, but Carl refused.
Anyway, Miranda names Jack as the legal guardian and then promptly falls off a cliff and is seriously injured. Enter Jack. He receives a phone call from his nephew Timothy who reads the will to him and is told about Miranda's accident. Jack, a college professor of literature, leaves work, takes a medical leave and moves in with the family.
That's when worlds collide. The home-schooled, conservative, religious legalism of Miranda verses the world wise PHD professor of literature.
Jack is kind and considerate, but makes it his project to rescue the children from their seclusion and bring them into the world of today. He also wants to rescue Miranda because it is obvious that she has a hidden secret and has been under the control of Pastor Mason (and her deceased husband) for way to long. Little does Jack know that Miranda has already decided to leave the church.
Their worlds do collide, but there is a wonderful romantic tension that also develops.
Bottom line. Jack and Miranda fall in love. Jack falls in love with the children as well. Miranda makes some important choices, some difficult choices and reveals the secret of her past that she fears may destroy her life and that of her family.
Pastor Mason does not come off looking to well in this novel. But that makes this even more believable because Meg Moseley describes his church and his actions very well and very correctly for how a small percentage of pastors operate. BUT, Meg also includes good reference to pastors who are humble, loving and provide for their flocks in wonderful ways.
I was caught by this story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. It was good that I read it while on vacation so that I didn't have work to interfere with my reading. There are great moral lessons in the book. There are great Biblical lessons in the book. There are so many things to learn and think about that you will be challenged while reading a great novel to think about your own set of values and what is important to you.
I can't wait for Meg's next book.
Enjoy!
May 25, 2011
There is no doubt that Meg Moseley is a gifted writer and I am sure we will see more of her work. Her first novel, When Sparrows Fall, is an intriguing page turner about a widow whose life has been full of controlling men. Beginning with her tyrannical husband, who expected complete obedience and submission; and ending with a pastor who required a cult-like loyalty from his congregation; Miranda Hanford finds herself and her six children in a situation that she cannot escape from. Then she has an accident and her estranged brother-in-law comes to help out. Both of them have secrets from the past to work through as they try to do what is best for her family. The result is a story that keeps you turning the pages to the very end of the book to see how it all works out.
There were many things to like about this book. Clear, descriptive writing, well developed characters, and an interesting plot that keeps you reading to find out the dreadful secret that Miranda kept so very well for so long. The story gives a glimpse into how good, well meaning people can get themselves caught up into a religious cult without ever realizing what they are doing. I have no doubt that most people will find this book to be a great read and give it wonderful reviews.
Having said all that, I must admit that my personal reaction to the book is really one of anger. I am disappointed with the brother-in-law who is supposed to be a Christian but cusses, drinks and smokes, while being so concerned about his nieces and nephews not being “normal”. While I understand that many religious cults use homeschooling to indoctrinate the children in their midst, I was surprised to learn that a former home school mom wrote this book and would choose to exaggerate the negative side of home education. As a “retired” home school mom, I am very aware of the public opinion of home schoolers and it is usually not good. I am tired of the Christian market producing book after book that portrays the “home school loonies” of society while being careful to give lip service to those who “do it right”. It’s high time we had some books that portray the thousands of home schooling families who “do it right” every year and manage to let their children still be normal. Might I suggest that Christian parents can also succumb to the peer pressure of the public school agenda and be brainwashed by that just as easily as by a fanatical cult? I will not recommend this book to anyone.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
There were many things to like about this book. Clear, descriptive writing, well developed characters, and an interesting plot that keeps you reading to find out the dreadful secret that Miranda kept so very well for so long. The story gives a glimpse into how good, well meaning people can get themselves caught up into a religious cult without ever realizing what they are doing. I have no doubt that most people will find this book to be a great read and give it wonderful reviews.
Having said all that, I must admit that my personal reaction to the book is really one of anger. I am disappointed with the brother-in-law who is supposed to be a Christian but cusses, drinks and smokes, while being so concerned about his nieces and nephews not being “normal”. While I understand that many religious cults use homeschooling to indoctrinate the children in their midst, I was surprised to learn that a former home school mom wrote this book and would choose to exaggerate the negative side of home education. As a “retired” home school mom, I am very aware of the public opinion of home schoolers and it is usually not good. I am tired of the Christian market producing book after book that portrays the “home school loonies” of society while being careful to give lip service to those who “do it right”. It’s high time we had some books that portray the thousands of home schooling families who “do it right” every year and manage to let their children still be normal. Might I suggest that Christian parents can also succumb to the peer pressure of the public school agenda and be brainwashed by that just as easily as by a fanatical cult? I will not recommend this book to anyone.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
July 20, 2021
review written March 10, 2011
A few weeks ago, author Meg Moseley offered me a copy of her forthcoming novel,When Sparrows Fall. Having never been asked to review a book before I'm now a little nervous as I sit to write this. Even though this book should become REQUIRED READING for anyone contemplating "Christian" homeschooling. Why the quotation marks around Christian? Because, as this book so beautifully illustrates, it's so easy for decent, honest, well-educated Christian parents to start homeschooling and ending up playing "Shoots and Ladders" into the world of Christian Patriarchy and the extremely isolated homeschooling they promote. And from that point on the family's--any family's--life is not it's own.
The story of the Hanford family is a familiar one at first--sweet-spirited, quiet, gentle, loving Christian mother Miranda and her many sweet, ultra-obedient children. Who wouldn't want a family like hers? That's how many familiess start the "game." They see Family A and decide "I want what they have." For Miranda it began in Bible College after a chaotic childhood. She meets Carl and is inspired by the apparent deep Faith he uses to guide his life. Soon they have moved to the "safe" countryside and are birthing child after child, homeschooling and attending a family integrated church that supports their lifestyle.
Fast forward to the day that now widowed Miranda, with six children to support, falls during a walk and ends up in the hospital. Her world, formerly dominated by smarmy self-serving pastor Mason, is turned upside down as her late husband's almost unknown brother, Jack, arrives on the scene to care for the family. As Miranda recovers from her fall she also begins to recover from Pastor Mason's "guidance" and begins to see the world she and Carl created for their family thru new eyes. She begins to confront the past, present and future.
This book is nicely written, with believable characters. There is an unexpected "mystery" surrounding the family and a slight tinge of Norma Rae-ish "stand up for yourself"gumption in Miranda--or Randi as she was, and wants to again be, known. A few moments with the kids made me tear up. I could feel the soothing "cuddle quilt" around me, too. The love in this fictional family was very real.
Just read it when it comes out--ok? You won't be sorry. Give it to anyone who may be heading to the ballpark for a round of "Here Comes the Patriarch" instead of loving homeschooling.
A few weeks ago, author Meg Moseley offered me a copy of her forthcoming novel,When Sparrows Fall. Having never been asked to review a book before I'm now a little nervous as I sit to write this. Even though this book should become REQUIRED READING for anyone contemplating "Christian" homeschooling. Why the quotation marks around Christian? Because, as this book so beautifully illustrates, it's so easy for decent, honest, well-educated Christian parents to start homeschooling and ending up playing "Shoots and Ladders" into the world of Christian Patriarchy and the extremely isolated homeschooling they promote. And from that point on the family's--any family's--life is not it's own.
The story of the Hanford family is a familiar one at first--sweet-spirited, quiet, gentle, loving Christian mother Miranda and her many sweet, ultra-obedient children. Who wouldn't want a family like hers? That's how many familiess start the "game." They see Family A and decide "I want what they have." For Miranda it began in Bible College after a chaotic childhood. She meets Carl and is inspired by the apparent deep Faith he uses to guide his life. Soon they have moved to the "safe" countryside and are birthing child after child, homeschooling and attending a family integrated church that supports their lifestyle.
Fast forward to the day that now widowed Miranda, with six children to support, falls during a walk and ends up in the hospital. Her world, formerly dominated by smarmy self-serving pastor Mason, is turned upside down as her late husband's almost unknown brother, Jack, arrives on the scene to care for the family. As Miranda recovers from her fall she also begins to recover from Pastor Mason's "guidance" and begins to see the world she and Carl created for their family thru new eyes. She begins to confront the past, present and future.
This book is nicely written, with believable characters. There is an unexpected "mystery" surrounding the family and a slight tinge of Norma Rae-ish "stand up for yourself"gumption in Miranda--or Randi as she was, and wants to again be, known. A few moments with the kids made me tear up. I could feel the soothing "cuddle quilt" around me, too. The love in this fictional family was very real.
Just read it when it comes out--ok? You won't be sorry. Give it to anyone who may be heading to the ballpark for a round of "Here Comes the Patriarch" instead of loving homeschooling.
February 12, 2014
When Sparrows Fall is a unique, beautifully written story that was a pleasure to read and difficult to close after the last page. Meg Moseley is a gifted writer, but even more, a well-rounded, word-weaving storyteller.
Miranda Hanford is a widow with six children when an accident nearly takes her life. Her late husband's step-brother, Jack Hanford, comes into their lives afterward, offering help and healing from wounds both physical and emotional, though Jack shoulders his own set of heavy past burdens.
Adding to the story's potent plot is the pastor of Miranda's church, a man who has decided to move the church to another town and is determined to uproot Miranda and her family along with the rest of the church. Secrets from both Miranda and her pastor's past threaten to surface amidst the tension after her accident, leading the reader on an emotional chase through Miranda's bumpy early adulthood and Jack's determined quest to be a stable force for the struggling family.
Both Miranda and Jack are intriguing characters whom readers get to know layer by layer. Light-hearted Jack offers skittish Miranda humor and support as she slowly stretches outside the constricting boundaries created by her late husband and the dogmatic church of which they're members. Miranda's six children are sweet, realistic, humorous additions to the book's cast of characters.
I appreciated the way the author pulls no punches with the imperfect characters - Jack's as flawed as he is likeable, spouting Shakespeare (he's a professor), tricking Miranda in order to get her to take pain pills, and introducing his highly sheltered nieces and nephews to Dr. Seuss and Wal-mart shopping excursions. Miranda hordes her secrets and isolates herself out of frustrating self-preservation.
Ultimately, When Sparrows Fall reminds me of the human tendency to buckle ourselves in with legalistic lifestyles, thinking we're creating a safety net around our lives, when instead we should be reveling in a God who's big enough to save us and merciful enough to drown us in His grace. I highly recommend Meg Moseley's When Sparrows Fall, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this gifted author.
Miranda Hanford is a widow with six children when an accident nearly takes her life. Her late husband's step-brother, Jack Hanford, comes into their lives afterward, offering help and healing from wounds both physical and emotional, though Jack shoulders his own set of heavy past burdens.
Adding to the story's potent plot is the pastor of Miranda's church, a man who has decided to move the church to another town and is determined to uproot Miranda and her family along with the rest of the church. Secrets from both Miranda and her pastor's past threaten to surface amidst the tension after her accident, leading the reader on an emotional chase through Miranda's bumpy early adulthood and Jack's determined quest to be a stable force for the struggling family.
Both Miranda and Jack are intriguing characters whom readers get to know layer by layer. Light-hearted Jack offers skittish Miranda humor and support as she slowly stretches outside the constricting boundaries created by her late husband and the dogmatic church of which they're members. Miranda's six children are sweet, realistic, humorous additions to the book's cast of characters.
I appreciated the way the author pulls no punches with the imperfect characters - Jack's as flawed as he is likeable, spouting Shakespeare (he's a professor), tricking Miranda in order to get her to take pain pills, and introducing his highly sheltered nieces and nephews to Dr. Seuss and Wal-mart shopping excursions. Miranda hordes her secrets and isolates herself out of frustrating self-preservation.
Ultimately, When Sparrows Fall reminds me of the human tendency to buckle ourselves in with legalistic lifestyles, thinking we're creating a safety net around our lives, when instead we should be reveling in a God who's big enough to save us and merciful enough to drown us in His grace. I highly recommend Meg Moseley's When Sparrows Fall, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this gifted author.
April 24, 2011
I have not read a lot of Christian fiction, and was a bit wary of diving into this story about a widow with six children who is at odds with her preacher. However, I liked both Miranda and her brother-in-law, Jack, right away. Their story had flaws, and the characters could've used a bit more fleshing out, but overall I liked the book.
I have no idea if children raised without television or fiction really are so well-behaved or not - but they seemed entirely too mature to me, especially the 10-year-old daughter. They started acting like children only when exposed to things like Green Eggs & Ham and Wal-Mart? Not sure what that's supposed to say about our society these days.
I would've liked to hear more about Jack's character. He seemed a bit too ready-made to fit into this household of a widow and her six children. I think the author attempted to give him some baggage in the form of his ex-wife, but it never came across as weighing heavily on him. His fear of Friday's and his heartache over his mother's death didn't go far enough for me.
And Miranda. Well, at first I was angry that she didn't confide her fears about social services to Jack. I thought she was being naive and that her silence would be her undoing. Upon reflection, I suppose that she is a woman with very little life experience. Married at 19 to an over-bearing man and then sucked into a cult-like atmosphere by a domineering preacher, I don't suppose she's had occasion to trust much in her life. Of course, then I felt distanced from her character even more. Although I did like her, I didn't really connect with her.
All this makes it sound like I didn't like the book -- which isn't the case at all. It was entertaining enough to keep me engaged and was a great weekend read. It is not a genre I would've picked up on my own and I was pleasantly surprised.
Thank you, goodreads.com, for sending me this book as one of your giveaway deals. What a great experience! :D
I have no idea if children raised without television or fiction really are so well-behaved or not - but they seemed entirely too mature to me, especially the 10-year-old daughter. They started acting like children only when exposed to things like Green Eggs & Ham and Wal-Mart? Not sure what that's supposed to say about our society these days.
I would've liked to hear more about Jack's character. He seemed a bit too ready-made to fit into this household of a widow and her six children. I think the author attempted to give him some baggage in the form of his ex-wife, but it never came across as weighing heavily on him. His fear of Friday's and his heartache over his mother's death didn't go far enough for me.
And Miranda. Well, at first I was angry that she didn't confide her fears about social services to Jack. I thought she was being naive and that her silence would be her undoing. Upon reflection, I suppose that she is a woman with very little life experience. Married at 19 to an over-bearing man and then sucked into a cult-like atmosphere by a domineering preacher, I don't suppose she's had occasion to trust much in her life. Of course, then I felt distanced from her character even more. Although I did like her, I didn't really connect with her.
All this makes it sound like I didn't like the book -- which isn't the case at all. It was entertaining enough to keep me engaged and was a great weekend read. It is not a genre I would've picked up on my own and I was pleasantly surprised.
Thank you, goodreads.com, for sending me this book as one of your giveaway deals. What a great experience! :D
May 10, 2011
First I'm going to start with the homeschooling part of the book. I homeschooled my 3 daughters for 7 years and loved every minute of it. Homeschooling is suppose to provide a unique learning environment where children can learn, and have fun doing it. In our home my girls learned their fractions by cooking, their history by reading books not a text book, multiplication with legos. We grew butterflies, frogs, praying mantises. While I had children in different grade levels because I only had 3 to school I was able to spend more time with them and they learned at a rapid pace.
Regarding the highly conservative ideals, and tightly -controlled environment. Sadly this can be present in some areas of the homeschooling movement but it is not common. It is however really common in Christian marriages across the country. I know that may be a bitter pill to swallow but it is true. I just finished training to be a victim advocate and the statistics for abused women in church is that 1 in every 4 women is being abused by their spouse or partner. When they bring it to a clergy, or deacon and they will tell her to pray it away, read scripture, there is not usually any offer of aide to get her to a safe place or aide her in reporting.
This book touched a chord in me as a woman who was in an abusive relationship, whose former husband used scripture to get me to do what he wanted me to do because he knew that my relationship with God was so important to me. While I know homeschoolers will be upset at the negative slant on homeschooling which I don't see it as that, I see it as showing that anything good can be made evil if people aren't following God. Personally, I see this book as a break through for women who are being abused by men in the Christian circle that their are people out there that care and want to help them find a way out.
Regarding the highly conservative ideals, and tightly -controlled environment. Sadly this can be present in some areas of the homeschooling movement but it is not common. It is however really common in Christian marriages across the country. I know that may be a bitter pill to swallow but it is true. I just finished training to be a victim advocate and the statistics for abused women in church is that 1 in every 4 women is being abused by their spouse or partner. When they bring it to a clergy, or deacon and they will tell her to pray it away, read scripture, there is not usually any offer of aide to get her to a safe place or aide her in reporting.
This book touched a chord in me as a woman who was in an abusive relationship, whose former husband used scripture to get me to do what he wanted me to do because he knew that my relationship with God was so important to me. While I know homeschoolers will be upset at the negative slant on homeschooling which I don't see it as that, I see it as showing that anything good can be made evil if people aren't following God. Personally, I see this book as a break through for women who are being abused by men in the Christian circle that their are people out there that care and want to help them find a way out.
July 10, 2011
This was a great read about a woman fighting to regain a normal life. The Children are delightful, well mannered and a little mischievous.
Miranda surely was oppressed and has faced hardships in her life. Her husband was killed just before her last child was born. Her Church was there for her, or were they? She does have the help of her Lord, and he does answer her prayers!
I enjoyed this read and it went quite fast, and I didn't expect the ending.
Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them--for herself, and for her children.
A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling brand of “shepherding.” But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets only he knows, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.
University professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.
As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?
I was provided with a copy of the book by the publisher, the opinions are my own
Miranda surely was oppressed and has faced hardships in her life. Her husband was killed just before her last child was born. Her Church was there for her, or were they? She does have the help of her Lord, and he does answer her prayers!
I enjoyed this read and it went quite fast, and I didn't expect the ending.
Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them--for herself, and for her children.
A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chandler and his controlling brand of “shepherding.” But then Mason threatens to unearth secrets only he knows, and Miranda feels trapped, terrified she’ll be unable to protect her children.
University professor Jack Hanford is more than surprised when he gets a call from his estranged sister-in-law’s oldest son, Timothy, informing him that Miranda has taken a serious fall and he has been named legal guardian of her children while she recovers. Quickly charmed by Miranda’s children, Jack brings some much-needed life into the sheltered household. But his constant challenging of the family’s conservative lifestyle makes the recovering mother uneasy and defensive—despite Jack’s unnerving appeal.
As Jack tries to make sense of the mysterious Miranda and the secrets she holds so tightly, Mason’s pressure on her increases. With her emotions stirring and freedom calling, can Miranda find a way to unshackle her family without losing everything?
I was provided with a copy of the book by the publisher, the opinions are my own
June 11, 2011
This book has me wondering just how common these sort of harsh religious beliefs are and how close they are to my neighborhood. When Sparrows Fall is about young widow Miranda who belongs to a church with these harsh beliefs and when things get to be too twisted she decides it is time to break away! Before she can do that though she gets severely injured and her husband’s half-brother Jack shows up to help!! There is so much more that goes on but I will not reveal any secrets!!
There were a lot of moments in this book where I wanted to just scream and say “this is not God”!! The actions of the pastor and the husbands had me on the edge of my seat. Meg Moseley painted a gripping yet compassionate view!!
The characters were all great, especially Jack and the children. I loved Jack because he just seemed so real about who he was and what he believed in. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he was a sinner yet he knew how to lead a life worthy to be called a Jesus follower! He might have drunk one or two drinks or smoked a cigar but I felt that just made him more genuine. I have kids the same ages as some of the kids in this book and I felt the author really captured their innocence and energy!
The only thing that bothered me is that I felt like the beginning got off to a rough start. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not and had mixed opinions about Miranda all the way until about half way through the book. However, it did pick up nicely and I’m glad I continued reading.
I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review.
There were a lot of moments in this book where I wanted to just scream and say “this is not God”!! The actions of the pastor and the husbands had me on the edge of my seat. Meg Moseley painted a gripping yet compassionate view!!
The characters were all great, especially Jack and the children. I loved Jack because he just seemed so real about who he was and what he believed in. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he was a sinner yet he knew how to lead a life worthy to be called a Jesus follower! He might have drunk one or two drinks or smoked a cigar but I felt that just made him more genuine. I have kids the same ages as some of the kids in this book and I felt the author really captured their innocence and energy!
The only thing that bothered me is that I felt like the beginning got off to a rough start. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not and had mixed opinions about Miranda all the way until about half way through the book. However, it did pick up nicely and I’m glad I continued reading.
I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review.
April 11, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. The story is engaging as Miranda (Randi) a mother of six struggles to cope with raising six children as a widow, her overbearing Pastor and the involvement of her brother in law that she doesn't know. I love how she sticks to her principles for the things she feels strongly about, as well as allowing some latitude on the things she's used to doing but are not written in stone. The author does a great job of describing each of the children as well as giving a great foundation for where the main character is in life.
The title of the book confused me. I'm not sure how it fit with the subject of the book. There were a few references to sparrows, but I didn't sense an underlying connection. It could have had something to do with a tragedy that occurred but that's as close as I can get.
What a liked most about this book is the way the author brought the whole story together. Throughout she alluded to deeper secrets but didn't give them away until towards the end. This kept me engaged and curious to know what happened. There was a Christian theme throughout the book, although in the beginning it leaned towards the fanatical and evened out towards the end.
Overall, a nice, easy read. I would recommend for anyone who has experienced children, tragedies and life in general!
Love and Blessings!
Margaret
The title of the book confused me. I'm not sure how it fit with the subject of the book. There were a few references to sparrows, but I didn't sense an underlying connection. It could have had something to do with a tragedy that occurred but that's as close as I can get.
What a liked most about this book is the way the author brought the whole story together. Throughout she alluded to deeper secrets but didn't give them away until towards the end. This kept me engaged and curious to know what happened. There was a Christian theme throughout the book, although in the beginning it leaned towards the fanatical and evened out towards the end.
Overall, a nice, easy read. I would recommend for anyone who has experienced children, tragedies and life in general!
Love and Blessings!
Margaret
November 13, 2012
I picked this up because it was nominated for the 2012 Carol Award, and I wasn't disappointed. In this novel, Moseley deals with a Christian in a church on the fringes of the faith, a church following a wayward and domineering pastor who is certain he is hearing from God, not only about what he should do, but about what his entire church should do. Miranda is caught in the middle. She's afraid to cross her pastor but determined to break away from him. And then when she injures herself, the brother of her late husband shows up to help out with her six children, throwing more trouble into the mix.
As a former home schooler, I worried Moseley wouldn't treat home schooling with respect, but she handled the situation beautifully, highlighting both the benefits of it as well as the difficulties, especially for a family that separates itself from society.
With a great story line and a unique voice, Moseley has written a compelling book I couldn't put down.
As a former home schooler, I worried Moseley wouldn't treat home schooling with respect, but she handled the situation beautifully, highlighting both the benefits of it as well as the difficulties, especially for a family that separates itself from society.
With a great story line and a unique voice, Moseley has written a compelling book I couldn't put down.
February 16, 2014
With more layers than a wedding cake, When Sparrows Fall is a complex story of a mother's devotion that will not leave you untouched. Meg Moseley's characters will climb out of the pages and into your heart. Besides the rebellious Miranda, her children include Timothy, two adorable girls, and Jack dubs her youngest boys "the archangels." As unlikely as the pairing seems, I found myself hoping for romance to bloom between Jack and Miranda, but it seems Timothy had a different idea. Thoroughly enjoyable, Novel Journey and I give it a high recommendation.
October 1, 2016
Not a bad read. I actually did the audio book because I am a runner and it's a great use of time while I run. The story was good and the plot was solid.....with that said, the audio was terrible. The reader kept changing her voice and using a fake western accent. I almost gave up on this story because of the terrible narration. Glad I didn't because it ended well.
April 1, 2025
On this reread, while I still enjoyed the fun kid and cat parts, the remainder (romance & religion) not so much. 3.4/5
Number 53 out of 219 books on my all time book list.
A video review of book is on my YouTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZHVdv...
Number 53 out of 219 books on my all time book list.
A video review of book is on my YouTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZHVdv...
Want to read
June 16, 2011I just won a copy from Goodreads. I will write a review after I've read it. Thanks.
Want to read
April 10, 2011I won this book from First Reads giveaway. Should be an interesting read. Thank you.
June 10, 2013
Gripping storyline. Crippling secrets. A family in need of healing. Gifted storytelling.
Want to read
April 10, 2011I just won as a goodreads giveaway! waiting to read it. Thanks.
April 30, 2020
technically this was a re-read for me. as i started listening, i realized i'd read it before but while i remembered some things here & there, i didn't recall the whole story so i continued listening.
it was a story worth rereading.
good characters. some humor.
there are religious overtones but i felt that they were in context w/the narrative and so it didn't bother me.
Martha, the 4 yr. old, is an adorably amusing character.
Michael & Gabriel were cute too.
the children were well developed characters.
it was very sentimental, at times sad, at times humorous but overall an engaging, uplifting, sweet story.
it was a story worth rereading.
good characters. some humor.
there are religious overtones but i felt that they were in context w/the narrative and so it didn't bother me.
Martha, the 4 yr. old, is an adorably amusing character.
Michael & Gabriel were cute too.
the children were well developed characters.
it was very sentimental, at times sad, at times humorous but overall an engaging, uplifting, sweet story.
April 16, 2025
I’ll miss these characters
This a great story about a family caught up in church and spiritual abuse, or cult-like behavior, however you see it. I found the main female character to be quite likable; a woman who loves her family and thankfully has a stubborn streak. The main male character, Uncle Jack, is quirky and had me laughing aloud at times, however when strength is needed, he is the very definition of it. I loved the writing style, the storyline and characters. If you like women’s fiction with a touch of romance, you’ll love this book.
This a great story about a family caught up in church and spiritual abuse, or cult-like behavior, however you see it. I found the main female character to be quite likable; a woman who loves her family and thankfully has a stubborn streak. The main male character, Uncle Jack, is quirky and had me laughing aloud at times, however when strength is needed, he is the very definition of it. I loved the writing style, the storyline and characters. If you like women’s fiction with a touch of romance, you’ll love this book.
February 17, 2024
This was an intriguing story. The characters were interesting and complex and the story itself took unexpected twists and turns. As the story progressed Moseley gave more and more information, glimpses into the mysteries of the characters which added to the suspense and kept me reading to the end! I enjoyed the characters and the story and the truths of mercy and compassion and redemption woven all through the book.
August 15, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is about Miranda and her six children. They are members of a very strict church and are tell all of their members the must sell their homes and move to North Carolina. However, Miranda doesn't want to do that. She had been prayer walking on her land and has a very bad fall. Her son calls his uncle that he has never met to come take care of the children while his mother is in the hospital.
November 6, 2022
Realistic fiction
This book kept me thinking of groups of church people who idolized their leader more than God. It's hard yo believe those people do exist but they do. This book will be hard to forget.
This book kept me thinking of groups of church people who idolized their leader more than God. It's hard yo believe those people do exist but they do. This book will be hard to forget.
May 15, 2017
Difficult subject matter, although well written.
June 4, 2017
Loved this one and read it in one day.
October 5, 2017
It wasn't really my thing. I thought it was Christian. But the woman in it doesn't seem to care about if the man she is dating has repented of his sins and trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
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