The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls

Feb 14, 2014 Gayle Pace rated it really liked it

REVIEW-
This was an action filled book that I became so interested in that I couldn't turn those pages fast enough. There are a lot of lessons to be learned abut God in this book. No matter what we do or how bad they are, God loves us. God chooses people to lead because they are broken. You can go to the Bible and find many of God's followers who became great leaders even though they had done terrible things or had a physical impairment. All of us do things wrong and under God's grace we are ...more

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Feb 12, 2014 Joan rated it liked it

This is an OK read but it did not grab me. Sirls writes in the style of magical realism but for the Christian market. God talks prophetically to a teenager through an iPod. Flowers mysteriously appear and are related to people being changed. The spiritual emphasis is on God, in general. People are admonished to "believe" but only in God, not in the saving work of Christ. I felt the spiritual message was vague. There is forgiveness and healing of relationships and that was good. See my full ...more

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Nov 24, 2013 Cyrus Webb rated it it was amazing

We live in a world that is so quick to count us out or put us down, depending on how it sees us.

How grateful we should be that our Heavenly Father sees who we are, knows what we have done and loves us unconditionally. In Williams Sirls' newest literary offering THE SINNERS' GARDEN, we are reminded not only of God's love but his purpose for all of us.

The cast of characters we meet are just like us: broken, imperfect, yet capable of things that might seem impossible to some.

Take Andy for instance. We live in a world that is so quick to count us out or put us down, depending on how it sees us.

How grateful we should be that our Heavenly Father sees who we are, knows what we have done and loves us unconditionally. In Williams Sirls' newest literary offering THE SINNERS' GARDEN, we are reminded not only of God's love but his purpose for all of us.

The cast of characters we meet are just like us: broken, imperfect, yet capable of things that might seem impossible to some.

Take Andy for instance. Many will be able to relate to the resentment he feels in life because of what we has experienced. Will he be able to accept the truth and forge a better relationship with those who love him before it's too late?

And there's Uncle Rip: a man that many would have dismissed because of his past deeds, but when he begins to share lessons that are the result of his transformation and renewed sense of purpose will others give him the benefit of the doubt?

We also meet Heather the police officer: another individual who wants to do good, hoping to find some peace in her life. Will some unexplainable events in the town be just what she needs to not just have faith in God but renewed faith in man as well?

One of the characters that will really stick with you, however (not that they all don't make their mark), is Pastor Welsh. The way he appreciates what God has done in his life and that of his father and now the town will remind you of what He is able to do for you as well.

One of the most powerful passages in the book (and there are many) is when the Pastor and Andy are having a serious conversation about God and his Will: "God has blessed you," Pastor told Andy, " and you're helping Him help others.". Andy seems doubtful. "I want to help," he says to the Pastor, " but other than that dream, it seems like God's left me." THAT'S when the Pastor gives us a huge nugget of encouragement: "God never leaves," he says. "People leave Him, but he won't leave you."

That is, to me, one of the main messages of this book. God loves us so much that He is willing to meet us where we are. All we have to do is make the effort, and that is what Sirls shows so beautifully in this book.

Rich with meaning and full of characters you won't soon forget, THE SINNERS' GARDEN is sure to leave you wanting more. ...more

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Oct 30, 2013 Anne Marie rated it it was amazing

I was blessed to receive an Advance Readers Copy of The Sinners' Garden by joining William Sirls Street Team while back when he had posted openings on his facebook page.

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! Mr. Sirls, you did it again! This book deserves more than 5 stars!!!

In this book we met Andy (a teenager who hates his mom), Judi (Andy's mom), Rip (Judi's brother) and Heather (long time friend of Judi and Rip). Andy doesn't understand why things has happened to him and why he has a scar on his face and he ...more

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Oct 01, 2013 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, owned

I recieved an advanced copy of this book for review purposes and I recieved no monetary compensation for this review.

Have you ever read a book so fast because you wanted to find out what happens in the end that you know you are missing a lot of details of the book? I felt like that when reading The Sinners' Garden . This book is so action packed that I could not put it down. The great plot was not the only amazing part of this book though; the lessons that I learned about God while reading ...more

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Nov 15, 2013 Kate Joyce rated it really liked it

My friend Linda could not have given me this book at a more perfect time. I was home from work for 5 days after having my final cataract surgery. Once again William Sirls has delivered a book that is wrapped in the Word and put it in today's culture, proving that what was Truth when Jesus walked this planet is still Truth today. I finished The Sinner Garden in 3 days! I read half of it in one sitting. I could relate to the characters especially Rip. I too have found the everlasting grace that He ...more

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Sep 21, 2017 Becky rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. It was very detailed and emotional. Although I love Christian fiction, this book was outside of the usual book I read because the ending wasn't 100% happy, and there was no romance. This book was about healing from past family issues.

Andy, the teenage boy, hears from God through an iPod. Yes, God can speak to us through a variety of ways, and this was a new one for me. His speaking to Andy though nature was less of a stretch for me. I appreciate how each of the ...more

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Apr 24, 2018 Gil rated it really liked it

This was a great read. On the supernatural side but as they said, if miracles can happen 2000 years ago, why is it so hard to believe today?
I liked the pace of the book and (view spoiler)There was also an element of mystery as to who was the Summer Santa and (view spoiler) I ...more

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Oct 09, 2017 Pat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great Christian fiction. Loved it!

In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden...

Andy Kemp's young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.

As Andy's mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Joan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reading-challenge

A Christian novel about a family of mother, her son, her brother, and their best friend all of whom have lost their faith and experience guilt , sorrow, and anger. When Uncle Rip returns from finding his faith again in prison, his witness and story and supernatural events begin to change them. Serious but uplifting.

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Oct 24, 2018 Shirley Klooster rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: for-church-media-center

Many Biblical life principles lived out in the lives of these people who have suffered circumstances and consequences of their life lived.
Quote from main character, Rip: ".... all lies have to change or die, because they are constantly haunted by the truth. And as much as we sometimes want to convince ourselves that we can...we can't change the truth. Only accept it."

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Jan 25, 2020 Janice Workman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I found this book to be readable, engrossing, understandable. It represents God in such a loving, positive light. I also appreciated that life's realities were shown: sometimes things are different than what we expect, what we want may not be what God has planned, love and kindness matter.

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Dec 09, 2016 Ben Harris rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Good read. Thoughtful tale of forgiveness and hope. Suspenseful parts at the beginning and toward the end.

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Feb 15, 2020 Gayle rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this book once I got into it, but I almost didn't read it because of all the bad language. A book is way more enjoyable when it is clean!

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Jul 03, 2018 David Pyle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Excellent storytelling, although it is very clearly evangelical in its message. I loved the twist at the end and encourage anyone who likes Christian fiction to give it a read.

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Sep 20, 2017 Abigail Ford rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books

SUCH an incredible book. It may have just changed my life. Absolutely amazing. A must-read for sure!!!

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Oct 08, 2018 Roberta Monroe Clark rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So good!

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Jan 27, 2018 Tai rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I can usual catch the plot twist in books. Not this one! Threw me for an entire loop. Pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed the ending as well.

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Jan 28, 2020 Jennifer M rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a great little story. I need an ipod from heaven in my pocket sometimes for some words of encouragement. It's a must read.

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Jan 15, 2014 J. Else rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

This story centers on a few main themes, one of which is forgiveness. Giving forgiveness to yourself and to others and then contrasting it to the ultimate forgiveness given through Jesus. There were some good Biblical illusions which provided character growth. I think the best reference was the one about Cain and Abel. That was a shocker for me when it was finally figured out! I can’t say I was overly surprised at who Cain was, but the reference used was brilliant and well revealed. I also liked This story centers on a few main themes, one of which is forgiveness. Giving forgiveness to yourself and to others and then contrasting it to the ultimate forgiveness given through Jesus. There were some good Biblical illusions which provided character growth. I think the best reference was the one about Cain and Abel. That was a shocker for me when it was finally figured out! I can’t say I was overly surprised at who Cain was, but the reference used was brilliant and well revealed. I also liked when the garden started to disappear. It was such an interesting story idea that visually related to resolved internal struggles. Then there is the mystery of the Summer Santa leaving gifts for needy members of the community. This book had a lot going on and juggled everything smoothly. The author did some fantastic layering. With the dreams, the prophesying through Andy, and character revelations, everything blended together seamlessly. I like how the story ended, hinting that miracles continue to happen every day. This relates to another theme in the story, learning to listen. We must learn to listen to others but also and especially to God. Otherwise, we could miss some amazing moments.

I did get a little frustrated near the end. Rip told Heather about the gun he saw, which unraveled her father’s murder mystery. Then the next chapter moved onto something completely different! Then Heather acted like a bonehead and confronted the killer before talking to her supervisor at the police station about the gun sighting. She gave the killer the opportunity to toss the weapon and keep him in the clear. It was incongruous to the character, and it frustrated me. She’s not a stupid cop, but she looked like on in that chapter. I thought perhaps there was a raid going on when she talked to him, but instead she stunted her character growth near the ending.

There are a lot of fish in Sirl’s sea, and the author casts his net wide to encompass many different situations and voices. The author gave each person/situation enough development that I never got confused by the amount of characters. However, it was Andy that had the most personal demons to overcome. His uncle’s goal throughout the book was for Andy to find his faith. The story ended when Andy finally got it in part by what his uncle left behind. He learned to appreciate what God had done for him, finally said thank you, and stopped forcing the gifts he had to fit someone else’s mold. It was not about how others saw him (which he continually struggled with); it was about how God saw him. I think it was a good wrap up to everything that happened in the book as every other plot thread seemed to flow through Andy’s story.

Sirl does not make things easy for the characters, and he does not give the readers easy answers. Yet the answers are simple truths. Sirl makes good points about life and death, life after death, redemption, trust, listening, forgiveness, and God’s presence in all our lives. One great outlook was when Pastor Welsh mentioned that it does not matter how old we are when we die. This life on earth is but a flash in the pan compared to our lives in heaven. I also loved Rip’s sign he posted above his front door, going outside, which said “Servant’s Entrance.” What a simple but powerful reminder of how we can be God’s light. It doesn’t matter our past, our skills, or our social status; it only matters that God love us. Jesus paid for our forgiveness. We just have to accept it. I like learning to see things a different way. This book gave me a few of those moments.

Not everything in this book was a surprise. Some things were predictable. But the meat of the story was the characters and their spiritual journey. It kept me reading. I wanted to feel the joy the characters felt looking at the garden or when a gift from the Summer Santa was discovered. I feel a part of this spilled out of the pages and will stay in my heart. The story was very well crafted and well thought out. The miracles were magical and entrancing and culminated into something great.

**I recieved an advanced copy of this book for review purposes and I recieved no monetary compensation for this review.** ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Wanda rated it it was amazing

This book opened up a lot of emotions for me. An entire one fourth of the book I had tissues in hand. It had amazing characters-- Judi Kemp who suffered domestic abuse for years, Heather Gerisch who was a police with the Benning Police Department and was haunted by her father's death, Judi's son Andy whose face was scarred at the age of three and carried hatred and unbelief like a cloak, Pastor Welsh whose spiritual wisdom was an integral part in all of their lives and Gerald "Rip" Ripley, and ...more

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Nov 18, 2013 Linda rated it really liked it

What do a scarred teenager, his victimized mother, a born-again ex-con drug dealer, and a deputy who hasn’t gotten over the death of her father have in common? God’s undeniable Presence in the form of a miraculous flower garden appearing overnight on the grounds of a long-deserted ghost of a steel mill on the banks of the Detroit River. Author William Sirls brings these people together in his second book, “The Sinners’ Garden.”

Teenaged son Andy and his divorced mom Judi are victims of an What do a scarred teenager, his victimized mother, a born-again ex-con drug dealer, and a deputy who hasn’t gotten over the death of her father have in common? God’s undeniable Presence in the form of a miraculous flower garden appearing overnight on the grounds of a long-deserted ghost of a steel mill on the banks of the Detroit River. Author William Sirls brings these people together in his second book, “The Sinners’ Garden.”

Teenaged son Andy and his divorced mom Judi are victims of an abusive father and husband and both bear scars physically and emotionally of his long abuse. Andy blames his mother for his physical scars and Mom blames herself because she was unable to protect him. His Uncle Rip has returned from prison a born-again Christian and doing his best to guide young Andy to the way of God and help his sister Judi raise him. His once hopeful girlfriend, Heather, is now a deputy sheriff and has never gotten over the death of her father, the former sheriff, who was shot and killed years ago along with the father of the wealthiest man in town, Kevin Hart. Their murderer was never caught. Meanwhile, Deputy Heather is trying to catch a secret “Summer Santa” who is going around town leaving thousands of dollars in gifts for the truly needy in town. Kevin Hart is living life to his idea of the fullest—cheating on his wife but playing the ever-faithful elder at his church, passing the collection plate and collecting prayer requests.

Rip and Andy discover an incredible flower garden that appears literally overnight on the grounds of a long-deserted steel mill near the banks of the river. The four plots of incredible flowers and perfect soil are too good to be real at first and they feel compelled to go to the garden, believing God Himself is standing in the midst. And when God starts speaking to teen Andy through a broken iPod and Andy starts giving direct messages from God to others, his Uncle Rip is convinced that Andy is actually hearing the Voice of God. Andy has no memory of when he speaks, and denies God.

When God decides to tell Kevin Hart about his sinful ways through young Andy, sparks begin to fly between Hart and Uncle Rip, who would love to see Hart get some of his own medicine. But Rip’s faith in God is no lie and he is trying to be true to God and be a witness to his only nephew Andy before it is too late for him and for Andy.

This family is trying to make a life out of what they had left, not realizing at first that they had everything they could possibly need—characters that had been through hell and persevered in more ways than one. Their own Pastor Welsh said miracles happen every day, not just in biblical times. Most people just don’t see them and they claim they do not hear God. God replied through Andy, “Because they aren’t listening.”

I was introduced to this author last year when a good friend of mine recommended his first novel, “The Reason.” I found his testimony interesting in that Sirls was once a senior VP in a large investment firm and was incarcerated for wire fraud and money laundering. While in prison, William Sirls became a Christian. What I found even more interesting was that not only was this author from my home state of Michigan, but he was from the exact same area that I lived. What a surprise that was!

I enjoyed this second novel far more than the first. In the midst of modern-day technology and an unbelieving society, these people see and hear the unmistakable presence of God and are wrought with a joy so rarely felt in this world. Despite their trials, they are literally STILLED in the presence of their garden and KNOW that God is right there and looking right at them. It gave me chills and tears at the same time. I highly recommend this book to all!
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Feb 20, 2014 Beth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: home-library-to-read

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …
Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …
Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.

My Thoughts:

The Sinners Garden is the first book by William Sirls I have had the pleasure of reading. The Sinner's Garden is his second book. Andy Kemp lives behind his books and anger. Abused by his father and left scarred, Andy's life hasn't been an easy one. Andy's mom tries to help him but just can't seem to get through, so his Uncle Rip tries. Rip just got out of prison and has been transformed by this experience and wants to help Andy. Andy starts hearing strange things through his iPod and from these things through his music he starts making announcements that can only be described as prophetic, it convinces Rip that Andy is hearing God. Somewhere else break ins are happening in the poorest homes in town and the strangest part, whomever is breaking in, is leaving thousands of dollars in gift cards from the grocery store in town. The town dubs the "thief" Summer Santa. While all of this is happening, Andy and Rip discover a huge garden of wildflowers that seem to have come out of no where in the steel mill.

The Sinners Garden is my first book by William Sirls and WOW. It is such a wonderful story that really speaks to its readers and left a lasting impression with me. This message really gives hope where hope is lost. William Sirls writes a powerful story with a very powerful cast of characters. I loved all the characters in this book, they are all real people with real lives. Things didn't just "work out" for them. We watch them struggle and find their way. I found myself taken with this book from the start and could not put it down. I found myself completely engrossed in this beautiful story. I found myself laughing out loud in parts and crying in parts as this book touched on tough subjects. William Sirls really showed his heart in this story. I am so glad I had the chance to read this wonderful story. If you enjoy Christian Fiction with supernatural twists, then this is the book for you! I cannot wait to read more from William Sirls, he is on my must read author list!
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Feb 07, 2014 Lisa Johnson rated it it was amazing

Title: The Sinners’ Garden
Author: William Sirls
Pages: 416
Year: 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
There are some novels I walk away from totally overwhelmed by the message contained in the pages and not sure how in the world I would write the review. William Sirls’ other novel, The Reason, was read and thoroughly enjoyed by a friend of mine. I was hoping that the newest novel from the author would be as captivating as the first one was for my friend. Well, let me tell you this is a novel that will Title: The Sinners’ Garden
Author: William Sirls
Pages: 416
Year: 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
There are some novels I walk away from totally overwhelmed by the message contained in the pages and not sure how in the world I would write the review. William Sirls’ other novel, The Reason, was read and thoroughly enjoyed by a friend of mine. I was hoping that the newest novel from the author would be as captivating as the first one was for my friend. Well, let me tell you this is a novel that will reach out from the pages and grab your heart as well as your mind.
When you are done with this novel, I wonder if you will walk away with a deeper understanding of God or something else. The story has a multitude of characters who reflect, I believe, real people and societies of today. More than one character in the novel thinks they understand God and His ways. They therefore drew conclusions based on that knowledge. Others have to learn to let go of what holds their soul, mind and emotions in the past.
Another characteristic of the tale is how some in the novel draw together as they are seeking answers to questions their hearts are asking. The author clearly shows how sometimes we think we know a person, what they do or don’t do in their daily life only to learn that God is the only One who truly knows every detail. An encouraging aspect shown in the novel is how even in deep pain God is able to make His presence known if those seeking Him will really listen.
There are many different threads that run in the book such as mystery, romance, faith, and spiritual growth. One character features an ex-con who looks to God while in prison and still realizes he has much growing to do in the Lord. Now that might sound like growing through knowledge, but here it is growing by surrendering and listening. Also, some learn to choose to forgive not waiting for feelings or a sign before actively doing so.
Two women are trying to come to terms with understanding their pasts, but is that what God wants them to focus on? In reality, we all ask at one time or another the age old question of “why” when something happens beyond our understanding. In the novel, one woman tries to carry a load of guilt that is not hers to carry. The other woman just wants to understand who would do the unthinkable act of murdering two men. That only starts other questions like, “Is her Dad in heaven”? To me this shows how the author is trying to reach out to others who sometimes struggle to understand God in daily life. What makes the novel easy to read is the shortness of the chapters so that the reader can easily follow the tale as it develops and deepens. For me, this novel is not one I will soon forget, and if I should happen to, it will be right there in my personal library to grab and read again.
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Dec 30, 2013 Amanda Stephan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014-book-reviews

First, let me begin by saying Mr. Sirls is a good, solid writer. You can't help but care for his characters and wish the best for a couple of them and want to smack some sense into them a few times. In his biography, he is very clear that he comes from a less than pristine background and it shows in his storyline, plot, and development. Using a Robin Hood type of hero, the reader is forced to wonder several things. Is it right for the Summer Santa to break into peoples' homes to leave them much First, let me begin by saying Mr. Sirls is a good, solid writer. You can't help but care for his characters and wish the best for a couple of them and want to smack some sense into them a few times. In his biography, he is very clear that he comes from a less than pristine background and it shows in his storyline, plot, and development. Using a Robin Hood type of hero, the reader is forced to wonder several things. Is it right for the Summer Santa to break into peoples' homes to leave them much needed gifts? Or should the police seek to apprehend this person who evidently wishes to harm no one and be a blessing to as many as possible while remaining anonymous?

While this story overall was very good, there were a couple of things I wondered about and struggled with. I realize that many, (dare I say most?) Christians seem to put God in a box and have Him dancing around on a string like a Marionette puppet instead of allowing Him to be the Creator like He is. This novel doesn't do that. The characters hurt; they cry, they struggle handling real situations in the right way, and to Mr. Sirls' credit, they don't always get what they want. A huge plus in my opinion. One of the main characters has been in prison and has turned his life around. Another main character receives messages from God through his iPod and relays them to others - some are happy about it, others not so much. Here's where I start to wonder about a few things. Would God give messages that could be construed as prophetic or judgmental to a boy who isn't even sure God exists let alone have a personal relationship with Him? A boy who, at the beginning is hateful and hurtful to his mother? Yes. This is fiction, and it should be read as such. But that really stuck out to me as off and I wouldn't feel right just saying, "hey, this book is a good read. You might enjoy it" to my reading friends.

The second thing that bothered me probably wouldn't bother as many people, so bear with me for a moment. The preacher in this book seemed to talk in circles most of the time instead of leading his members; perhaps because he didn't want to seem preachy? When I pick up a Christian fiction novel, I want to encouraged to be a better Christian. I've not found one that I've thought was too preachy, but I have found some where there needed to be more direction and leading. This is one of them. The way Rip interacted with Andy was good, that's not the part I'm talking about. I felt the preacher should have led his members a little more than he did. He is a preacher, after all. The most important message the book had - the part of being saved by grace - didn't roll around until almost the very end of the novel. I was disappointed in that.

Leaving book reviews is highly subjective. What one reader deems as a good book without flaws, another doesn't for various reasons. Mr. Sirls is a good, solid writer with a unique plot and storyline, and his characters are so real, they could be your neighbors. There is no swearing - another huge plus in my opinion. When Christian fiction starts sounding like all the secular books out there, I won't read them anymore. There are no sex scenes, and the novel is written in a clean manner by a man who has been on the opposing side. Kudos to him for that.

*My thanks to Thomas Nelson for furnishing this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required they be positive.* ...more

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May 16, 2014 Jeanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, book-club-reviews

The Sinner’s Garden by William Sirls is every bit as intense his first book, The Reason, if not more so! I found it to be a novel that was nearly impossible to put down, captivated from the beginning.
Sometimes when the Lord wants our attention, He uses His people to deliver His message. It may be a pastor’s sermon or the gentle mentoring of a layperson. But – a teen who doesn’t believe in God, who is compelled to speaks the words he hears through his iPod? A man in black who breaks into homes The Sinner’s Garden by William Sirls is every bit as intense his first book, The Reason, if not more so! I found it to be a novel that was nearly impossible to put down, captivated from the beginning.
Sometimes when the Lord wants our attention, He uses His people to deliver His message. It may be a pastor’s sermon or the gentle mentoring of a layperson. But – a teen who doesn’t believe in God, who is compelled to speaks the words he hears through his iPod? A man in black who breaks into homes or a community center to leave much-needed money or other gifts?
Andy is an angry young man, scarred by a burn since he was a toddler. He doesn’t remember anything he hears on his iPod and repeats to his mother, his mother’s best friend, or to the wealthiest, most powerful man in town. A man who will do anything to silence the words that seem to mock his sincerity and position.
Heather’s father, a police officer, was murdered when she was a child. She followed his footsteps into police work, and hoped to one day find the murderer. The only man she ever loved is Rip, recently released from a 3-year stint in prison, Andy’s beloved uncle. Now that he is an ex-con and she a police officer, the odds are against them being more than just friends.
Rip came to believe in Jesus when he was in prison, a captive audience in more ways than one. He now has an unshakable faith in God, and goes to any lengths to show that to those he loves. As he spends time with Andy, doing the things that a father would typically do with a son, they discover something special and unique – a perfectly-tended garden that seems to have sprung up overnight, in an area where only a few people could find it.
Mysteries abound in this small town even as those who are in desperate need of money suddenly find themselves recipients of the burglar who brings money rather than leaving it. And it is up to Heather to solve the current rash of break-ins as she also tries to solve her father’s murder and hold onto the gift she found in the garden. God is granting incredible blessings to those who believe in this small town in southeast Michigan, blessings often delivered by the mystery man in black…
Favorite quotes:
“God must be in prison.”
“Prison was God’s way of putting me in time-out.”
“We aren’t here for our own good. We are here to glorify God.”
Only the Lord could have inspired this simply profound story and place it into the heart of a man who had reached one of the absolute lows of his life in prison. It is true that when we are in the darker days of our lives, the Lord reaches to us even as we reach up for Him, and that is evidenced in this outstanding novel.
I highly recommend this novel to adults of all ages who are looking for a fresh reminder of God’s love and grace, to those who are in a prison of concrete and razor wire or a broken body or spirit. The element of the mysteries appeals to those who love good, clean suspense novels, and Andy, his mother, uncle, and Heather’s relationships appeal to those who like family drama. I would especially recommend this to those who sit on the fence of whether they believe in the God who loves them, and all who are struggling through some of the tough circumstances of life.
I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
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Feb 04, 2014 Jalynn Patterson rated it it was amazing

About the Book:
In a small town where hope and tragedy intermingle, things—and people—are not always what they seem.
Andy Kemp has suffered most of his life from both physical and emotional scars, and he believes that the scars on his face are proof that God doesn’t love him. Andy has grown into a withdrawn teenager, keeping to himself, until his uncle, ex-con Gerald Ripley, shows up and wants to be a mentor to Andy. Rip has turned his life around and wants to do everything he can to help mend About the Book:
In a small town where hope and tragedy intermingle, things—and people—are not always what they seem.
Andy Kemp has suffered most of his life from both physical and emotional scars, and he believes that the scars on his face are proof that God doesn’t love him. Andy has grown into a withdrawn teenager, keeping to himself, until his uncle, ex-con Gerald Ripley, shows up and wants to be a mentor to Andy. Rip has turned his life around and wants to do everything he can to help mend Andy’s pain and the rift in his relationship with his sister.
Meanwhile, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering episode in one of the poorest homes in town. The masked man makes the sign of the cross, escapes, and Heather soon realizes that he has left $5,000 in gift cards to a local grocery store. As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy begins to hear strange and beautiful music, and Rip is convinced that he is hearing the voice of God.
As the lives and stories of the townspeople of Benning Township intertwine, extraordinary circumstances emerge and long-kept secrets are revealed.

About the Author:
Once a senior vice president in a large investment firm, William Sirls was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering. Life lessons involving faith, grace, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. The Sinners’ Garden is his second novel. His first novel, The Reason, was published in 2012. William makes his home in southern Michigan and you can reach him at WilliamSirls.com.

My Review:
Heather receives a call one night on patrol, telling her that a house of a nice poor woman and her kids was broken into. She heads to the scene, as fog starts to settle over the ground. When she arrives, she finds the family standing out in the yard. They all seemed scared even herself, but she had to be brave and find out where this guy was. Stepping in she finds no sign of this intruder, that is until she hears him step behind her.

She tells him to drop his weapon only to find it didn't sound quite as loud as a gun. But instead of him waiting with his hands up as commanded he walks straight out the door leaving her astonished. After the man left Heather and the poor woman search the house to make sure he didn't take a thing but instead he left them many things. Who would have done such a thing?

Andy was left scared mentally and physically after many years of abuse from his father. Now he has a hard time trusting the people who really love him. When his uncle buys him an amazing present for his birthday, Andy is over joyed even if he doesn't show it. While they are trying out his new present, Andy and his uncle come across an amazing garden full of beautiful flowers. Though the flowers were amazing, the question still stands, who planted this garden?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity. ...more

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Feb 15, 2014 Victor Gentile rated it it was amazing

William Sirls in his new book, “The Sinner’s Garden” published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Andy Kemp.

From the back cover: In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …

Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.

As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed William Sirls in his new book, “The Sinner’s Garden” published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Andy Kemp.

From the back cover: In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …

Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.

As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.

Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.

As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.

Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.

God made the Garden of Eden then put Adam and Eve in it and told them to tend it for Him. When they were kicked out they were told that there would now be thorns and weeds for them to deal with. When we step outside our homes we need to see that the people we come in contact with are dealing with thorns and weeds in their lives Our actions either help them eliminate some of those thorns and weeds or contribute to making more of them. William Sirls has made Benning Township “The Sinner’s Garden” and we get to see the results of the actions of some of the people in this town. ”The Sinner’s Garden” is filled with great characters brought to life in the hands of a very skillful author. Each character comes alive on the pages and we care about every single one of them, even the not so nice ones. “The Sinner’s Garden” is a marvelous read full of atmosphere and details. Mr. Sirls knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and thought-provoking and I recommend it highly.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Feb 24, 2014 Rick rated it really liked it

As a blogger/reviewer/reader/bookguy, I tend to read a lot of books. I tend to read a lot of books that I consider to be suspense or intrigue or thriller novels. Sometimes, though, a book comes along that attracts me for different reasons, reasons that I can’t really put into words. This book, “The Sinners’ Garden”, is definitely one of those books.

What do a teenager, his mother an ex-con and a cop all have in common? Sounds like the beginning to a very bad joke doesn’t it? In this case, these 4 As a blogger/reviewer/reader/bookguy, I tend to read a lot of books. I tend to read a lot of books that I consider to be suspense or intrigue or thriller novels. Sometimes, though, a book comes along that attracts me for different reasons, reasons that I can’t really put into words. This book, “The Sinners’ Garden”, is definitely one of those books.

What do a teenager, his mother an ex-con and a cop all have in common? Sounds like the beginning to a very bad joke doesn’t it? In this case, these 4 individuals are showcased in their need for redemption. Andy, the teen, has been abused by his father and stays hidden behind painful scars. His mother has drifted mentally away and desperately wants to reconnect. His uncle, Rip, is being released from prison and wants to thrust himself into the role of the male figure in Andy’s life in order to right the wrongs of his past. And Heather, who is on her path of finding out who keeps breaking into the homes in town. Throw in a seemingly out of place flourishing garden and the Master Gardener behind it all, and you have the makings of a book that will stay with you forever. Do yourself a favor, GO BUY THIS BOOK!

I will admit that as a typical guy, sometimes the details of things escapes me. I’m not always as interested in how things looked like or felt like or what direction you went, as long as I know that there was a mystery that needed solving and you solved it. I do tend to skip or skim over text that goes into a lot of detail and there were times in this book that I found myself doing that. It’s important to note, though, that that isn’t a slam on the author, it’s just not my style of reading. Once I get the gist of what’s happening in a paragraph, if there isn’t dialogue, I move onto the next one. I loved how deep and immersed that I became with the characters in the book, almost like they became friends of mine. I would be interested in revisiting with these characters in the future to see how they’ve grown after this novel. My other thought on this book centers around what I feel was a main component of this book, redemption. I think there was a clear story line of redemption with these characters, but I think the author left out some great opportunities to wrap the redemptive qualities of Christ into this book. As I’m sure he was going for an all-inclusive audience with his book, it may cause others to feel a little let down that he didn’t follow through with the whole story of redemption.

Is this a guy’s book? This is not your typical shoot-em up, run-em down or kill-em novel. I would venture to say that if you are into those books and only those books, then you should avoid this book. BUT, if you are guy that can enjoy a book that reminds us of God’s love and attention, then you should definitely pick this book up to read.
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Apr 26, 2014 Sharee rated it it was amazing

The Sinner’s Garden is the second William Sirls’ books that I’ve read and it did not fail to deliver in any way. His writing style is so refreshing, honest and incredibly creative in the story telling process. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sinner’s Garden and could not put it down.

In a world where really ugly things happen to innocents, it is sometimes hard to understand how God would allow such things to those He professes to love. Yet it is through such tragedies and heart breaks that God does some The Sinner’s Garden is the second William Sirls’ books that I’ve read and it did not fail to deliver in any way. His writing style is so refreshing, honest and incredibly creative in the story telling process. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sinner’s Garden and could not put it down.

In a world where really ugly things happen to innocents, it is sometimes hard to understand how God would allow such things to those He professes to love. Yet it is through such tragedies and heart breaks that God does some of His best work in loving His creation.

Rip comes from a jaded past but has taken repentance seriously and is determined to live his life for Christ. He looks at his imprisonment as a time to return to God and continues to live out his life in a way that glorifies God even in the most mediocre of jobs and housing. His love for his nephew, Andy, is second only to his love for God and he’s determined to teach Andy to love God.

Andy is learning to be independent and to live with his disfigurement as the result of his abusive father. His anger and blame are not concealed and his lonely existence makes it hard for he and his mother, Judi, to connect. But in his avoidance of God, his iPod becomes his connection to God’s voice and he begins speaking truth that not everyone is interested in hearing.

Judi has spent too many years blaming herself for Andy’s injuries and scars. Taking the martyr role, she has lost her joy and her connection with her son.

Heather is a cop out of obligation and she’s on the trail of a strange man who is playing Santa in town. Although he provides great gifts to those in need, he is still breaking the law. While pursuing the capture of this Summer Santa, Heather begins inadvertently uncovering clues to an unsolved case that could put her in great danger.

Together, this group finds a garden where God is clearly speaking to them. If only they would be willing to listen. One of the best quotes from this book is spoken by Pastor Welsh as he speaks to Rip. He says, “But there’s a balance, Rip. Between accepting that God is glory, and allowing ourselves to be open enough to reflect that glory. It’s not so much about what we do – what we do to try and make up for past mistakes, or try and live a life that is exemplary.”

I loved the way the story taught the characters about forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation and repentance. It also taught them about thankfulness in less than perfect circumstances as Heather says, “about how things we take for granted, someone else is praying for…”

I would highly recommend The Sinner’s Garden and thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing it.

I received this book from The Book Club Network and William Sirls in exchange for my honest opinion.
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