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Sensible Shoes #2
Two Steps Forward: A Story of Persevering in Hope
[Read by Erin Bennett]
From bestselling author Sharon Garlough Brown comes the follow-up to her highly acclaimed Sensible Shoes .
In Two Steps Forward the women from Sensible Shoes are taking their next steps in the spiritual formation journey. But each of them is finding roadblocks along the way. Meg, a widow and recent empty-nester, is off to see her daughter in London. But what does hope look like when nothing goes as planned? Charissa, a conscientious graduate student, is battling to let go of control and embrace her unexpected pregnancy. But what does hope look like when transformation is slow? Hannah, a pastor on sabbatical, is trying to find her equilibrium with rest and a new relationship. But what does hope look like when old grief keeps resurfacing? Mara, a wife and mother, longs for her difficult family life to improve. But what does hope look like when tension escalates and circumstances only get worse? Sometimes life feels like two steps forward and one step back. Find your own spiritual journey reflected in the lives of these women and discover the way forward.
From bestselling author Sharon Garlough Brown comes the follow-up to her highly acclaimed Sensible Shoes .
In Two Steps Forward the women from Sensible Shoes are taking their next steps in the spiritual formation journey. But each of them is finding roadblocks along the way. Meg, a widow and recent empty-nester, is off to see her daughter in London. But what does hope look like when nothing goes as planned? Charissa, a conscientious graduate student, is battling to let go of control and embrace her unexpected pregnancy. But what does hope look like when transformation is slow? Hannah, a pastor on sabbatical, is trying to find her equilibrium with rest and a new relationship. But what does hope look like when old grief keeps resurfacing? Mara, a wife and mother, longs for her difficult family life to improve. But what does hope look like when tension escalates and circumstances only get worse? Sometimes life feels like two steps forward and one step back. Find your own spiritual journey reflected in the lives of these women and discover the way forward.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 1, 2010
265 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Garlough Brown
22 books537 followersSharon Garlough Brown (MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary) is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and author. Her book "Sensible Shoes" was named one of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford's "favorite things" in March 2013, and her book "An Extra Mile" won Christianity Today's Fiction Book of the Year for 2019. She and her husband Jack have served congregations in Scotland, Oklahoma, England, and West Michigan, where they co-pastored a congregation for many years. They now direct Abiding Way Ministries, offering spiritual formation retreats and resources (abidingwaylife.com). Her latest book, "Feathers of Hope" (third in the Shades of Light series) released in April 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
November 1, 2015
The first book in this series, Sensible Shoes, was one of my favourite books of 2014, and this picks up where that one left off. The four main characters are so different from each other, once again I was amazed by how easy it was to relate to each one of them. I especially like the tension between how they think they should behave and whether it's the response their heart tells them is right. These are definitely Christian novels, with God's subtle workings in the hearts of individuals at their own heart.
Christians are often counselled to put others' preferences ahead of their own, and Meg is a natural at that, but how is it meant to play out when you're chafing inside? When you know the other person will resent you for speaking up, but you can't sweep aside your point of view this time, especially when it's a person you care deeply for?
Christians are told that we should be Jesus' hands and feet, which would seem especially the case for a pastor like Hannah, but when is a line crossed into self-appointing yourself as God's rep or deputy? I like her revelation, 'My words declared Jesus was Lord but my life declared I was.' And also her paradigm shift that she'd been putting all of her confidence into her ability to hear from God, instead of his ability to speak to her in a way she'd recognise and understand. What a big potential stress relief for many of us.
It's great to see Mara, the under-appreciated mother with her history of rejection, learn to keep soaking in the truth that no matter whether or not her outer experiences reflect it, she is beloved! We are all beloved. What a simple, but revolutionary truth to remember each morning. How great is her relationship with her son, Jeremy! For a little while, I was concerned that she was showing favouritism, but no, her interactions with Kevin in this story show that's not the case.
Then there's Charissa. What hope is there for a control freak who even wants to control how she's going to give up control? She asks that question herself. Her's is a wake-up call for those times when we want to separate our sense of self from our achievements and reputations. Her story helps us step back to question our motives when we ask, 'Why am I working so hard on this project anyway?'
I like the chance to probe the deeper questions these ladies' stories raise. They may even be different for each of us. For me, one of them was 'to what extent should we accept our knee-jerk reactions as part of our natural make-up, and to what extent should we desire to temper and change them?' It would seem the experiences of the four main characters bear out my own; it's a bit of both. Even though mentally beating ourselves up for our perceived shortcomings does no good whatsoever, if an ingrained reaction is holding us back, it's possible, with God's help, to work on overlaying it with new attitudes.
While some of the particular episodes in this story are neatly wrapped up, it's easy to see that the wider issues are still unfolding, making me hope for a third book.
Christians are often counselled to put others' preferences ahead of their own, and Meg is a natural at that, but how is it meant to play out when you're chafing inside? When you know the other person will resent you for speaking up, but you can't sweep aside your point of view this time, especially when it's a person you care deeply for?
Christians are told that we should be Jesus' hands and feet, which would seem especially the case for a pastor like Hannah, but when is a line crossed into self-appointing yourself as God's rep or deputy? I like her revelation, 'My words declared Jesus was Lord but my life declared I was.' And also her paradigm shift that she'd been putting all of her confidence into her ability to hear from God, instead of his ability to speak to her in a way she'd recognise and understand. What a big potential stress relief for many of us.
It's great to see Mara, the under-appreciated mother with her history of rejection, learn to keep soaking in the truth that no matter whether or not her outer experiences reflect it, she is beloved! We are all beloved. What a simple, but revolutionary truth to remember each morning. How great is her relationship with her son, Jeremy! For a little while, I was concerned that she was showing favouritism, but no, her interactions with Kevin in this story show that's not the case.
Then there's Charissa. What hope is there for a control freak who even wants to control how she's going to give up control? She asks that question herself. Her's is a wake-up call for those times when we want to separate our sense of self from our achievements and reputations. Her story helps us step back to question our motives when we ask, 'Why am I working so hard on this project anyway?'
I like the chance to probe the deeper questions these ladies' stories raise. They may even be different for each of us. For me, one of them was 'to what extent should we accept our knee-jerk reactions as part of our natural make-up, and to what extent should we desire to temper and change them?' It would seem the experiences of the four main characters bear out my own; it's a bit of both. Even though mentally beating ourselves up for our perceived shortcomings does no good whatsoever, if an ingrained reaction is holding us back, it's possible, with God's help, to work on overlaying it with new attitudes.
While some of the particular episodes in this story are neatly wrapped up, it's easy to see that the wider issues are still unfolding, making me hope for a third book.
March 1, 2023
I didn't think the second book in this series could be as good as the first. And if I am honest, maybe it isn't. It's a different book. It works in different ways. It doesn't try to be "better" or "as good as." It just... is.
And that's really the point of the book in some ways.
In others, it's even better, definitely. Once again, we're dealing with people who are flawed and real and still coming to terms with themselves as well as with the Lord. In this book, I see parallels of character in the Audrey Stallsmith mysteries I've been reading--especially in Roses for Regret.
This is already a planned reread. While I think going through the advent lessons ANYTIME would be beneficial, I'm going to do it next December because I will be forced to slow down and absorb... and December is when I need that most.
I hadn't planned to plow through this series, but um... yeah. I'm going to start the next book tomorrow. How could I not?
And that's really the point of the book in some ways.
In others, it's even better, definitely. Once again, we're dealing with people who are flawed and real and still coming to terms with themselves as well as with the Lord. In this book, I see parallels of character in the Audrey Stallsmith mysteries I've been reading--especially in Roses for Regret.
This is already a planned reread. While I think going through the advent lessons ANYTIME would be beneficial, I'm going to do it next December because I will be forced to slow down and absorb... and December is when I need that most.
I hadn't planned to plow through this series, but um... yeah. I'm going to start the next book tomorrow. How could I not?
October 14, 2015
I'm glad I read this follow up to Brown's earlier novel "Sensible Shoes". This novel delves deeper into the lives of the characters, developing their conflicts, personalities, and establishing a launchpad for the next in the series "Barefoot". Readers of the first in the series will be surprised to find that this book is less about the Spiritual Journey and more about carrying Spiritual practices into every day life, especially when those every days get messy.
I'm glad Sharon took us deeper into the characters this time. I look forward to reading the next books.
(NOTE: You do need to read the first book in order to understand this one.)
I recommend this series for a book club or other group which will use it in discussion. It has many possibilities for even a study at a church. There is a study guide at the back.
I'm glad Sharon took us deeper into the characters this time. I look forward to reading the next books.
(NOTE: You do need to read the first book in order to understand this one.)
I recommend this series for a book club or other group which will use it in discussion. It has many possibilities for even a study at a church. There is a study guide at the back.
January 2, 2016
This second book of Ms. Brown did not disappoint me. In fact, it will be one I suggest to the very small online Bible Study Group I am participating in. I am able to see myself in each of the characters, and it made me desire even more to develop the characteristics of Katherine...to continue to see the presence of God in my life no matter what the circumstances, and to know that I am never alone. What I felt this book did for me in my journey was give me tools for my toolbox...Thank you Ms. Brown...may God Bless you as you continue to Bless others with your amazing talent of putting pen to paper...
March 25, 2025
I inadvertently picked the perfect time of year to start this book: Advent. It may become a seasonal favorite, though I think you'll still love the story no matter the time of year.
September 6, 2023
“Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
God’s sunrise will break in upon us,
Shining on those in the darkness,
Those sitting in the shadow of death,
Then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
Down the path of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79
After loving book 1 in this series, I had high hopes for book 2 and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Despite having a somewhat different structure to the first book, the characters remained the same and I instantly felt like I had jumped back into their spiritual journey.
As in real life, each of the characters lives had moved on, but only ever so slightly meaning you felt like it picked up where the previous book left off. It is always interesting to see how characters develop and change throughout a series and I definitely feel like there were a lot of changes happening here…
As much I enjoyed seeing the characters put spiritual practices from the first book into practice, I did however miss the sessions that the New Hope community provided in book 1. Although, it highlighted for me the importance of not only being able to read and study but to actively explore these concepts in daily life. And saying that Sharon has created a companion study guide which I think I might have to get to go deeper.
I honestly can’t speak highly enough of this series. The only downside is it was too short…thankfully there’s a third and fourth book to come!
August 9, 2020
I just finished all 4 books in this series and LOVED it. It is unlike other fiction I have read before. It wasn’t a fast moving thriller type story line. But as I got about halfway through the first book I loved the characters. This book was fiction but also encourages the readers spiritual growth. What I loved about these characters is that they were everyday women with everyday struggles but through the course of these 4 books you see their personal growth and how they learned surrender and prayer and how to find Jesus in all their moments.
February 23, 2016
I loved Sharon's first book (Sensible Shoes) so much that I read it three times in about 8 months - it had so much to say to me and helped me grow so much spiritually. I was not disappointed with "Two Steps Forward." Seeing more growth in Hannah, Charissa, Meg, and Mara was encouraging to me and helped me look at some hard places in my own life and spiritual growth. I can't wait to see what happens to them next.
August 1, 2017
Just as good as the first! I can identify a little with each of the four characters. I love that I get a spiritual workout too when I read these books. I learn so much from each of these books, and when I finish each book, I think of who I want to share or pass these books onto. Definitely a book that will stay with me throughout my life.
April 6, 2017
Beautiful sequel to Sensible Shoes. Once again filled with a food for my soul and new spiritual disciplines to discover with these precious characters.
January 24, 2021
I’ve been getting so much out of this series.
May 29, 2019
Auch dieser Band war wieder eine Oase für die Seele. Man begleitet weiterhin die vier Frauen Meg, Mara, Charissa und Hannah, die man bereits im ersten Band kennengelernt hat. Und jede von ihnen hat eine Eigenschaft, die an einen selbst erinnert. So stellt das Buch auch eine Herausforderung dar. Denn wenn man nicht bereit ist, in einen Spiegel zu schauen, wird das Weiterlesen schwer.
So auch wieder dieses Mal. Ich kann nicht sagen, dass man mit den Frauen leidet und mitfühlt, aber an irgendeinem Punkt steckt man in jeder mal drin. Es ist unglaublich.
So auch wieder dieses Mal. Ich kann nicht sagen, dass man mit den Frauen leidet und mitfühlt, aber an irgendeinem Punkt steckt man in jeder mal drin. Es ist unglaublich.
June 14, 2021
I LOVE these books!! My favorite new series and so well done I place them "up there" with the Mitford series as some of the best Christian fiction I've read. Sharon Brown has written characters I find endearing and completely relatable; I feel like these women are my friends! I understand their spiritual journeys and am only inspired to embrace God's love and presence more because of the time I spend absorbed in these stories! I can't wait to start #3!
January 10, 2020
4.5 stars
This series has been on my wishlist for ages because I was looking for Christian fiction that inspires and teaches me. I wanted to read Sensible Shoes first but this was the book that was available. While it would be best to read the series from the beginning this book can be read as a standalone.
Real people with everyday kinds of problems. This novel explores how four women learn to follow Jesus through their daily lives.
This is a book full of spiritual depth and the kind of book that would be worth re-reading.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
This series has been on my wishlist for ages because I was looking for Christian fiction that inspires and teaches me. I wanted to read Sensible Shoes first but this was the book that was available. While it would be best to read the series from the beginning this book can be read as a standalone.
Real people with everyday kinds of problems. This novel explores how four women learn to follow Jesus through their daily lives.
This is a book full of spiritual depth and the kind of book that would be worth re-reading.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
December 20, 2020
How interesting to finish this book on the last Sunday of Advent! This series touches on some deep topics, some I relate to, some I don't, I want to write down this line to help me remember it: "In the midst of disappointment, it's easy for us to punctuate our pain with exclamation points. God, however, is very fond of commas, and our lives are continually unfolding in him, with all the unexpected twists and turns." p 245
July 22, 2017
I appreciated the authenticity of the women and the realities of their life issues. Well written, narration added admirably in establishing personalities. Spiritual direction sessions, a unique opportunity to experience first hand.
Series recommended.
Series recommended.
March 20, 2021
Loved reading the continuation of the characters stories. Sad and emotional at times but that’s real life isn’t it? Looking forward to reading the next one. I feel like these women are friends now and I want to continue this journey with them.
January 2, 2019
A solid sequel to Sensible Shoes: A Story about the Spiritual Journey. This book offers the much-needed lesson that life still goes on very much the same after a spiritual breakthrough as it was before. That mountaintop experience doesn't automatically change the everyday stuff of life - it just gives new and different ways of dealing with those things.
December 27, 2021
This book picks up wear the previous book Sensible shoes leaves off.
Again I am amazed at how much I can relate to all four of these women. I love how they struggle with real things us women go through and I love how they each put their faith in God and God changes their hearts.
A great read for some thoughtful insightful thought or just for fun!
Again I am amazed at how much I can relate to all four of these women. I love how they struggle with real things us women go through and I love how they each put their faith in God and God changes their hearts.
A great read for some thoughtful insightful thought or just for fun!
March 22, 2022
Amazing heart touching spiritual journey of 4 ladies with different backgrounds and challenges growing in their faith. It is inspiring heartfelt, friendships, and the importance of community. Love this series can't put it down yet don't want it to end
April 14, 2023
Truly a journey of moving forward and letting go of self. Reflective for me!
June 16, 2025
Beautifully on par with the first book in this series.
May 7, 2023
It is a great book chronicling the struggles and journey of the four women in Barefoot. It is interesting to see where their faith leads them. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 16, 2023
The characters in this book are so relatable. I laughed, I cried, I prayed. Thank you Mrs Brown. Lovely book!
June 20, 2021
I love, love, love this series! Simply cannot put it down.
May 15, 2018
This book is sensational...IF you first read "Sensible Shoes." If someone picked this up and started reading this book only, the reader would no doubt feel a bit lost, and know she was picking up in the midst of the storyline. The reader would be correct!
So, reader beware; this is a series that must be read in order if one intends to get the most out of the various plots, characters, and so on.
That said, I enjoyed this book immensely, as the four main characters begin to flesh out the things they learned during their retreat weekends in the first book. As the title suggests, for all of them, such journeys are "two steps forward" and invariably, one step, or even three steps, backward.
In addition, there are family members who are not always happy with the changes these women are seeking to make in their lives. I can personally vouch for the validity of such experiences. How the women contend for the faith and for themselves makes up the bulk of this book.
One further point: this volume comes with an extensive Companion Reading Guide to use as one reads the book. The Guide has Journaling Questions, various Spiritual Disciplines to try, as well as Group Discussion ideas for those who choose to read this with others. It is all quite interactive, and I was very impressed with the length and breadth of this material.
So, reader beware; this is a series that must be read in order if one intends to get the most out of the various plots, characters, and so on.
That said, I enjoyed this book immensely, as the four main characters begin to flesh out the things they learned during their retreat weekends in the first book. As the title suggests, for all of them, such journeys are "two steps forward" and invariably, one step, or even three steps, backward.
In addition, there are family members who are not always happy with the changes these women are seeking to make in their lives. I can personally vouch for the validity of such experiences. How the women contend for the faith and for themselves makes up the bulk of this book.
One further point: this volume comes with an extensive Companion Reading Guide to use as one reads the book. The Guide has Journaling Questions, various Spiritual Disciplines to try, as well as Group Discussion ideas for those who choose to read this with others. It is all quite interactive, and I was very impressed with the length and breadth of this material.
March 5, 2018
The second book in the Sensible Shoes series did not disappoint. Continuing story of four characters who are on their own individual spiritual journey, but have come together to support each other on the way. Ms. Brown weaves in spiritual disciplines that you can incorporate into your own journey along with a study guide in the back to help you as you do.
I found that I could identify with all four characters, though their journeys were different. Each one had a specific element to her struggle that I have fought with, as well. I am anticipating reading the third and fourth book in this series as they have helped me in my own spiritual journey in ways I could not have imagined.
Never did I think a fictional book would bring this much spiritual growth in my own life. I highly recommend this series. The story and characters are engaging and the spiritual journeys woven in will enlighten and aid you on your own journey as you follow the characters on theirs.
I found that I could identify with all four characters, though their journeys were different. Each one had a specific element to her struggle that I have fought with, as well. I am anticipating reading the third and fourth book in this series as they have helped me in my own spiritual journey in ways I could not have imagined.
Never did I think a fictional book would bring this much spiritual growth in my own life. I highly recommend this series. The story and characters are engaging and the spiritual journeys woven in will enlighten and aid you on your own journey as you follow the characters on theirs.
January 17, 2021
Our four friends from Sensible Shoes continue on their journey to becoming more like Jesus. Their lives are messy, but Jesus the Messiah came into this messy world and they are learning to recognize God with us. Each is dealing with family and relationship issues: a divorce and a rebellious son; a surprise pregnancy; a wayward daughter; and a budding romance, but also grieving that she'll never be able to have children. Another great book by Sharon Garlough Brown!
This book doesn't have to be read at Christmas time, but as it takes place in December, the Advent Season would be the perfect time for reading it. I read it just after the Christmas season, but my heart was still focused on God with us, God with us in our mess, that I felt very receptive and connected with some of the Christmas imagery that Ms Brown focused on.
This book doesn't have to be read at Christmas time, but as it takes place in December, the Advent Season would be the perfect time for reading it. I read it just after the Christmas season, but my heart was still focused on God with us, God with us in our mess, that I felt very receptive and connected with some of the Christmas imagery that Ms Brown focused on.
July 19, 2018
I'm always hesitant with Christian fiction because it always follows the same themes -- namely, sex outside of marriage is THE sin and NO ONE could ever forgive someone for that. But Brown tackles other problems that affect most, if not all, believers in one way or another: control, trust, believing God loves us and chose us, fear, anxiety, insecurity, etc. I found myself relating to the four main characters in different ways and loved that their journeys were hard and didn't always go as planned or end perfectly.
This is the second book in the series. I immensely enjoyed the first book (Sensible Shoes) although I found it a little slow to start with. But it's worth getting through the beginning to get to the rest and then to the second book. I'm excited to read the third book!
This is the second book in the series. I immensely enjoyed the first book (Sensible Shoes) although I found it a little slow to start with. But it's worth getting through the beginning to get to the rest and then to the second book. I'm excited to read the third book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews