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Sandy Cove #5
From the Heart
After the loss of her beloved husband Phil, Joan Walker struggles to stay afloat in a sea of grief. Then she happens upon a discovery that will impact her entire family and challenge her future.
Will Phil’s legacy be able to restore joy to her broken heart?
Join your Sandy Cove friends in a tale of love and unexpected gifts in this poignant and inspiring tale ~ From the Heart.
Will Phil’s legacy be able to restore joy to her broken heart?
Join your Sandy Cove friends in a tale of love and unexpected gifts in this poignant and inspiring tale ~ From the Heart.
176 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2014
1366 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Hines
21 books135 followersRosemary Hines writes contemporary, suspenseful fiction from a Christian worldview. Her characters and their struggles and triumphs reflect life in our 21st century culture in America. Boldly tackling tough subjects such as suicide, abortion, and the ever-increasing efforts of secular society to silence the faith of many, she is known for her sensitive approach and strong messages of hope and redemption. Rosemary taught writing at a secondary level for fifteen years. Her books have been reviewed and recommended at Christian conferences across the United States. Active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and a women's Bible study leader, she and her husband have also served as missionaries in Ukraine, delivering humanitarian relief to orphanages and hospitals. They reside in Southern California where they enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren.
For more information about Rosemary and her books, visit:
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/7...
www.rosemaryhines.com
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHine...
For more information about Rosemary and her books, visit:
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/7...
www.rosemaryhines.com
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 21, 2019
I dnf'd at 24%. Had I realised this was an 'Inspirational' (aka Christian) novel I would not have downloaded it, but I started reading and decided to give it a go.
Joan is 86. Her husband, Phil, has just died and he was probably the same age ( and before I go on, let's get one thing clear right now. 86 is a GOOD AGE!!)
There is an awful lot of weeping and wailing and just plain old 'self-pity' which became very tedious after a while - and yes. losing a spouse IS an awful thing, but I really don't want to read page after page of poor Joan bewailing her loss or how she has to cope with the dog or being alone etc etc.
There seemed to be very little 'hope' in the story and there were simply too many confusing/inane moments in this book for me to continue.
e.g.
.. and breathed in the scent of English Leather. It was a gift she gave him each Christmas. A tradition since their first year as husband and wife. Really? Come on. At 86 and married straight out of high school she had to have been married for nearly 60 years? And she gave him the same scent every year?? And companies still made the same scent?? (and oh dear lord they DO!! -ROTFL here. Its like wearing Brut or Old Spice today !!!!)
'Why, your father and I enjoyed the last twenty-five years just as much as our first,' she added... Oh. So she was either married for 50 years or the middle part of her marriage was NOT enjoyable!!! My mind got rather twisted over that point.
The writing is sloppy: == She quickly opened the door and immediately spotted the box of mail at her feet. err... adverbs anyone? A decent editor would have seen that.
At 24% realised that I simply didn't care what happened to Joan. However, if you really enjoy Christian novels this may be just up your street.
And now rated ;)
Joan is 86. Her husband, Phil, has just died and he was probably the same age ( and before I go on, let's get one thing clear right now. 86 is a GOOD AGE!!)
There is an awful lot of weeping and wailing and just plain old 'self-pity' which became very tedious after a while - and yes. losing a spouse IS an awful thing, but I really don't want to read page after page of poor Joan bewailing her loss or how she has to cope with the dog or being alone etc etc.
There seemed to be very little 'hope' in the story and there were simply too many confusing/inane moments in this book for me to continue.
e.g.
.. and breathed in the scent of English Leather. It was a gift she gave him each Christmas. A tradition since their first year as husband and wife. Really? Come on. At 86 and married straight out of high school she had to have been married for nearly 60 years? And she gave him the same scent every year?? And companies still made the same scent?? (and oh dear lord they DO!! -ROTFL here. Its like wearing Brut or Old Spice today !!!!)
'Why, your father and I enjoyed the last twenty-five years just as much as our first,' she added... Oh. So she was either married for 50 years or the middle part of her marriage was NOT enjoyable!!! My mind got rather twisted over that point.
The writing is sloppy: == She quickly opened the door and immediately spotted the box of mail at her feet. err... adverbs anyone? A decent editor would have seen that.
At 24% realised that I simply didn't care what happened to Joan. However, if you really enjoy Christian novels this may be just up your street.
And now rated ;)
February 6, 2023
Short story about a widow who is questioning her worth and purpose after the death of her husband.
Well written story that takes Joan through her quandary and shows how God has a purpose for our lives no matter what our circumstances.
I especially like the legacy that Phil left behind to the remaining relatives. A good story with a great lesson about putting your faith in God and how He wants the best for us.
* I purchased an ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Well written story that takes Joan through her quandary and shows how God has a purpose for our lives no matter what our circumstances.
I especially like the legacy that Phil left behind to the remaining relatives. A good story with a great lesson about putting your faith in God and how He wants the best for us.
* I purchased an ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
February 26, 2022
So...I know this was probably not the best place to come into a series, since I didn't have the existing background to make these characters important to me, but I really struggled to connect to this story. Joan was a sweet lady, and I liked her and felt for her in her loss, but as the story went on, everything just seemed really normal. Her grief moved in a normal progression, so I didn't really feel any concern for the way she was handling things or worry that it wasn't going to pass. And the ending part where she rediscovered her purpose felt kind of tacked on and not the kind of thing we'd been waiting for the story to lead up to. It was nice to see how everything worked out, but I never really felt concern that it wouldn't, I guess. And I didn't have enough background in Michelle or Sheila's stories to really connect to the scenes from their perspectives. The writing style wasn't my favorite (heavily told), so that didn't help, and the dialogue felt like it walked the line between on-the-nose and unrealistic. I don't know--all the characters were nice and sweet, and it was nice to see everything work out for them, but it just felt like something was lacking in the story department. I needed something to make the happy ending feel fought for or hard-won, I guess. I'm not sure how to explain it any better.
On the plus side, though, I did tear up several times at the memories of Phil or the things he left to bless his family after his passing, so kudos to the author for that! :)
Content--some kissing and touching (not descriptive); mentions of death
On the plus side, though, I did tear up several times at the memories of Phil or the things he left to bless his family after his passing, so kudos to the author for that! :)
Content--some kissing and touching (not descriptive); mentions of death
November 30, 2014
What a wonderful read!
From the moment I began reading, I couldn’t put this book down! I have been following these characters for more than a year, and this novella follows the patriarchs of the family — Phil and Joan — parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents to many of the other characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed following Phil and Joan’s story, as they met, married and went through life, blessing one another and those around them. This novella shares how Joan continues to receive strength from her relationship with Phil, even after his death.
She has many tough decisions to make — even though I knew it was just a story, I was touched by how Rosemary created such realistic characters, that I could lose myself in the story, hoping that everything would work out for Joan, as well as her daughter… and other family members.
As usual, I was not disappointed. I heartily recommend this novella — this series — to readers everywhere who enjoy reading inspirational stories.
And if you’re looking for a great Christmas read… pick up a copy of From the Heart, available just in time for Christmas!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2017
Grab the kleenex! This is the best fiction book I have read in while. Joan is recently widowed, does God have a plan for the rest of her life? This was very hard to put down. All of us will face some kind of loss, will we move through it with God'S help or wallow in self pity? I would read another book by this author.
August 29, 2015
Very good series. Taught me a lot of things. Thank you. I would highly recommend this book to some of my friend's. And I will.
Very good series. Taught me how to look at things .Thank you. please keep writing these kind of books. And have. A blessed day.
Very good series. Taught me how to look at things .Thank you. please keep writing these kind of books. And have. A blessed day.
September 21, 2023
After reading the 6th book of this series, in consecutive order in which it was written, I believe there are a couple of main reasons for the skeptism in previous reviews. One is most likely due to the fact that the reader had not read the previous books, as Intended by the author. Therefore, they lacked compassion and empathy for each character and what they had previously endured. As far as criticizing the disbelief of Joan buying Phil the same cologne every Christmas, the judgemental reader needs to be reminded that this series is based on fiction by the author, and not real. However, I feel the details, such as that were beautifully, suggested in the story.
Prior to reading the 1st book of this series, I had no knowledge of it being a Christian book. However, whether or not a Christian series, that should not deter the reader from reading it. When we read, we become an intricate part of the characters' lives. Non Christians have Christian friends in real life. So, why shouldn't they be able to read about Christian lives in fictional book series?
Although less drama, and shorter than the previous books of this series, I continue to support my rating with a 5 star review. Having parents In their mid to late 80s, I felt complete empathy in what Joan was feeling, as well as the stories of each character.
I have loved this series from the beginning . As I read each book I get a complete understanding of the character. With real emotions, I am immediately transformed into their world. I look forward to continue reading the last 3 books of this series to see what else their lives have in store for them.
Prior to reading the 1st book of this series, I had no knowledge of it being a Christian book. However, whether or not a Christian series, that should not deter the reader from reading it. When we read, we become an intricate part of the characters' lives. Non Christians have Christian friends in real life. So, why shouldn't they be able to read about Christian lives in fictional book series?
Although less drama, and shorter than the previous books of this series, I continue to support my rating with a 5 star review. Having parents In their mid to late 80s, I felt complete empathy in what Joan was feeling, as well as the stories of each character.
I have loved this series from the beginning . As I read each book I get a complete understanding of the character. With real emotions, I am immediately transformed into their world. I look forward to continue reading the last 3 books of this series to see what else their lives have in store for them.
June 12, 2018
This book really brought tears to my eyes! Joan met her husband Phil when she was 16, and their marriage lasted until Pastor Phil's recent death (this is where the book starts after the prologue). Joan is now over 90 and finds it very hard to cope with being without her husband, contemplating if moving to her daughter is really the right choice.
A story with so much reality, and told in such a warm-hearted and moving way, the reader could identify with Joan and share her grief and sorrow, and her insecurities. The protagonists were so real, and although it wasn't a romance as such, or a fast-paced adventure story, this book captivated me from the first page until the last. The message I received from this book is that love really conquers all, love of family, love of God and faith, and determination.
This is the fifth in the Sandy Cove series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I understand the stories of some of Joan's family members are told in the first four books, but whatever information a reader needs from those books, they were brilliantly woven into this one. I did not have the feeling to have missed happening before.
I really loved this little treasure I found, and I will definitely trying to get more of this author (although this story did nearly make me cry).
A story with so much reality, and told in such a warm-hearted and moving way, the reader could identify with Joan and share her grief and sorrow, and her insecurities. The protagonists were so real, and although it wasn't a romance as such, or a fast-paced adventure story, this book captivated me from the first page until the last. The message I received from this book is that love really conquers all, love of family, love of God and faith, and determination.
This is the fifth in the Sandy Cove series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I understand the stories of some of Joan's family members are told in the first four books, but whatever information a reader needs from those books, they were brilliantly woven into this one. I did not have the feeling to have missed happening before.
I really loved this little treasure I found, and I will definitely trying to get more of this author (although this story did nearly make me cry).
February 5, 2018
Sixty-five years ago, Joan and Phil Walker met in high school and fell into a forever kind of love. Now she faces a future without him. “She misses his cheerful countenance, confident faith, and zest for life.” As Joan prepares herself for life alone without her beloved Phil, she finds her “solitary existence” oppressive. “Fall was her favorite time of year, but this time she’d be facing it alone.” But life moves on for the family. Sheila has found a second chance love with Rick Chambers. The grand and great-grand children are growing more every day. Sorting through memories of a life well lived, Joan realizes that “memories don’t live in a house, they live in the heart.” In the winter of her life, can she find a new purpose?
I really enjoyed the focus on family and faith, “living life with no regrets.” Fun Thumper antics keep the mood from becoming too oppressive. Insight and love highlight the contemplative tone. Hines explores loss of a loved one with sensitivity and finesse. Through time “the waves of grief slow and calm.” Although this is a stand-alone story, I recommend reading the other books in the series to become familiar with the characters.
I really enjoyed the focus on family and faith, “living life with no regrets.” Fun Thumper antics keep the mood from becoming too oppressive. Insight and love highlight the contemplative tone. Hines explores loss of a loved one with sensitivity and finesse. Through time “the waves of grief slow and calm.” Although this is a stand-alone story, I recommend reading the other books in the series to become familiar with the characters.
March 17, 2019
Book 5 but can stand alone.
I enjoyed this book about a family dealing with loss. The Mother/Grandmother/ Great- Grandmother is treated with respect. Growing old, adjusting to change, accepting needed help the s difficult to face. Joan in the story uses her Faith to face the changes in her life and find new purpose after the loss of her husband. Sheila works through learning how not to overstep business with her mother and allow her mother to work through the choices she needs to make on her own. This is a special book dealing with grief and honoring elderly members with respect.n
I enjoyed this book about a family dealing with loss. The Mother/Grandmother/ Great- Grandmother is treated with respect. Growing old, adjusting to change, accepting needed help the s difficult to face. Joan in the story uses her Faith to face the changes in her life and find new purpose after the loss of her husband. Sheila works through learning how not to overstep business with her mother and allow her mother to work through the choices she needs to make on her own. This is a special book dealing with grief and honoring elderly members with respect.n
August 9, 2024
I found it very pedestrian. The main character, Joan, is widowed and has thoughts of grief and loss through most of the book. While this is realistic and I can sympathize, it made the story tedious. She has a fall, she moves closer to her family, she finds a new place to live. Nothing unusual or all that interesting happens; it's rather all about her feelings.
I had to wonder that neither Phil nor Joan had relatives other than their own offspring. If they'd had siblings who had to relocate for health or death reasons, maybe Joan wouldn't have found the idea of moving so traumatic? And being an observer at some other family's Christmas party, hearing all the details of all the gifts, didn't enthuse me that much.
I had to wonder that neither Phil nor Joan had relatives other than their own offspring. If they'd had siblings who had to relocate for health or death reasons, maybe Joan wouldn't have found the idea of moving so traumatic? And being an observer at some other family's Christmas party, hearing all the details of all the gifts, didn't enthuse me that much.
July 20, 2017
I love the Sandy Cove series!
Each book continues with some of the same characters with the same attributes as the last book I read. I don't think I'm reading them In the order in which they were written, but each story stands alone. I just like that you get a glimpse into the lives of the different family members. It inspires me!! Thank you, Rosemary, for allowing Holy Spirit to give you the words you put down for our pleasure and learning. I often learn more about myself when I read these stories!!!
Each book continues with some of the same characters with the same attributes as the last book I read. I don't think I'm reading them In the order in which they were written, but each story stands alone. I just like that you get a glimpse into the lives of the different family members. It inspires me!! Thank you, Rosemary, for allowing Holy Spirit to give you the words you put down for our pleasure and learning. I often learn more about myself when I read these stories!!!
July 8, 2017
An Ending and a Beginning
We all have endings and beginnings. This book shows how with the Lord's help and the real power of prayer this happens. It feels like illness and death is the end. However love of family gives strength to look and go forward. When Phil becomes ill he tries to prepare his family for what will happen. This a very good story with lots of love shown. The editing is well done.
We all have endings and beginnings. This book shows how with the Lord's help and the real power of prayer this happens. It feels like illness and death is the end. However love of family gives strength to look and go forward. When Phil becomes ill he tries to prepare his family for what will happen. This a very good story with lots of love shown. The editing is well done.
August 8, 2017
Book 5 in the Sandy Cove series. The reviews looked good and it interested me. Not having read the others in the series, I was a bit leary. A true love story from the start. Joan is a widow and works to carry on with her life. A great support system from her family and a left behind love letter from her husband, helps her carry on with her life. Felt I didn't need to read the previous books in the series. Would certainly read the next book, in the series, to find out what happens next.
February 6, 2018
Another sweet read
Enjoyed the fifth novel in the Sandy Cove series. The characters are real. I can relate to Joan as I witness my Mom's loneliness when my Dad passed away. I like how the author brings the issue of coping with grief and loss of a spouse. And how Sheila and the rest of the family step up and assist her. How scary it is to stArt new life after losing your spouse.
Enjoyed the fifth novel in the Sandy Cove series. The characters are real. I can relate to Joan as I witness my Mom's loneliness when my Dad passed away. I like how the author brings the issue of coping with grief and loss of a spouse. And how Sheila and the rest of the family step up and assist her. How scary it is to stArt new life after losing your spouse.
October 15, 2023
A sweet Christian story of adjusting to life when a senior loses her spouse.
Joan s Faith in God help her to overcome the loss of her pastor husband.
Family and friends work hard to help her to leave her home and move into a senior s residence. Having the beautiful kitten Josie along has a lot to do with easing the way.
Packing up her old home and spending time with a supportive family sure helped. I feel bad for those who don't have that option .
Joan s Faith in God help her to overcome the loss of her pastor husband.
Family and friends work hard to help her to leave her home and move into a senior s residence. Having the beautiful kitten Josie along has a lot to do with easing the way.
Packing up her old home and spending time with a supportive family sure helped. I feel bad for those who don't have that option .
February 1, 2018
A very emotional story!
I found this story to be very emotional for me. I would recommend this story to younger people who have not lost their partners. Maybe it would help them appreciate what they have before it's too late, otherwise it's going to be very emotional for them too. Just saying!
I found this story to be very emotional for me. I would recommend this story to younger people who have not lost their partners. Maybe it would help them appreciate what they have before it's too late, otherwise it's going to be very emotional for them too. Just saying!
May 13, 2018
Good
I enjoyed reading this story. The author has a way to capture the feelings and emotions of the characters. The family connection and faith shared in a subtle Not overwhelming way was enjoyable. I will recommend this to friends. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed reading this story. The author has a way to capture the feelings and emotions of the characters. The family connection and faith shared in a subtle Not overwhelming way was enjoyable. I will recommend this to friends. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 16, 2018
This really hit home!
This book gave me a sense of love and peace! It hit home for me because I am older now, recently retired and moved to a new area. Sometimes I feel without a purpose in my life! By reading this I found peace as I was reminded to ask God to show me my purpose and I reed how much He loves me!
This book gave me a sense of love and peace! It hit home for me because I am older now, recently retired and moved to a new area. Sometimes I feel without a purpose in my life! By reading this I found peace as I was reminded to ask God to show me my purpose and I reed how much He loves me!
September 2, 2018
The book showed someone coming out of grief and moving forward
with a new purpose. While that was fine and the accompanying Scripture helpful, the story itself had no conflict, the protagonist and family got along perfectly. There was little intrigue to see what might happen. Part of the reason I kept reading was to see when the other shoe would drop, which it didn't.
with a new purpose. While that was fine and the accompanying Scripture helpful, the story itself had no conflict, the protagonist and family got along perfectly. There was little intrigue to see what might happen. Part of the reason I kept reading was to see when the other shoe would drop, which it didn't.
February 22, 2019
More like a Christian fable
The premise of the book is about an minister's wife's adjustment to widowhood & finding her way, redefining herself without him. As a believer, the Christian principles are very sound. There are some very touching moments in the book. If only real life, even as a Christian, were this kind & simple.
The premise of the book is about an minister's wife's adjustment to widowhood & finding her way, redefining herself without him. As a believer, the Christian principles are very sound. There are some very touching moments in the book. If only real life, even as a Christian, were this kind & simple.
July 10, 2017
Very heartwarming book!
A story that will definitely tug at your heartstrings, keep the tissue handy! A warm, loving story about Joan as she adjusts to life after her husband Phil passes away and the surprise she finds that he left for her!
A story that will definitely tug at your heartstrings, keep the tissue handy! A warm, loving story about Joan as she adjusts to life after her husband Phil passes away and the surprise she finds that he left for her!
August 7, 2017
Great Christian fiction!
Loved the plot. Loved the end and the surprise Christmas gifts. Characters were a little stiff..lots of dialogue but little emotion or even facial description such as smiles, eyebrows raised,etc. Also, you would want to read previous books in series.
Loved the plot. Loved the end and the surprise Christmas gifts. Characters were a little stiff..lots of dialogue but little emotion or even facial description such as smiles, eyebrows raised,etc. Also, you would want to read previous books in series.
October 3, 2017
Rich with blessings and faith
I enjoyed reading this multi-generational story of faith, trust, and love. The story wove around an elderly lady who had a very youthful outlook on life.
I enjoyed reading this multi-generational story of faith, trust, and love. The story wove around an elderly lady who had a very youthful outlook on life.
September 7, 2018
From the Heart
This book touched emotions we all ponder. The thought of flossing spouse is devastating but this story walks you through this struggle. I felt Joans loss and concerns. But I also felt God's love filter through the pain. Great read
This book touched emotions we all ponder. The thought of flossing spouse is devastating but this story walks you through this struggle. I felt Joans loss and concerns. But I also felt God's love filter through the pain. Great read
September 2, 2018
Okay but not my favorite
It seemed to me that the book was unbalanced with too many chapters of the widows discourage ment. I am Christian. However I pray in thename of Jesus Christ and not to Him. I have been widowed three times a d I did not connect with her as
It seemed to me that the book was unbalanced with too many chapters of the widows discourage ment. I am Christian. However I pray in thename of Jesus Christ and not to Him. I have been widowed three times a d I did not connect with her as
May 10, 2019
This book will appear a little too sweet to some, but if you've lost a loved one you will appreciate the careful love and consideration for caring for the elderly who become so fragile after a spouse has died. I appreciated the sweetness of this book.
July 23, 2019
Different story line
I enjoyed the spiritual content and the "older" characters. The story was different in many ways, the main character was in her eighties and facing life changes after losing her husband. The story was a little slow in the beginning but made up for it later.
I enjoyed the spiritual content and the "older" characters. The story was different in many ways, the main character was in her eighties and facing life changes after losing her husband. The story was a little slow in the beginning but made up for it later.
December 20, 2019
Not Really Alone
I enjoyed this book. It was a satisfying read. The use of scripture was well done. Although it was tender, I would have enjoyed more action, conflict, and resolution.
I enjoyed this book. It was a satisfying read. The use of scripture was well done. Although it was tender, I would have enjoyed more action, conflict, and resolution.
March 8, 2020
Sweet Christian story
Wonderfully sweet Christian story of love and life at various ages, but focused on the latter years and how God always has a plan and how each of us has a purpose, no matter our age. Sweet story, sweet characters, sweet series!
Wonderfully sweet Christian story of love and life at various ages, but focused on the latter years and how God always has a plan and how each of us has a purpose, no matter our age. Sweet story, sweet characters, sweet series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews