What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sinners' 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.
The identity of the gardener surprises them all and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.
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.
The identity of the gardener surprises them all and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
16 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
William Sirls
4 books126 followersOver the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows--some born of chance, some born of choice. Once a senior vice president at a major investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering, where he learned a great deal more than he ever bargained for. Life lessons involving faith, grace, patience, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. He is the father of two and makes his home in Southern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 17, 2020
Sirls combines a bit of fantasy with allegory to tell an amazing story of the power of forgiveness. The characters are relatable and their situations will cause readers to examine their own faith. The imagery is so vivid that it is easy to picture the entire story as it unfolds. Fans of James L. Rubart and Frank Peretti should pick up this novel.
From a young age, Andy has lived with facial scars from abuse, and his mother, Judi, blames herself for not protecting him. Now, Andy is hearing what seem to be messages from God through his iPod earphones. At the same time, a mysterious “Summer Santa” is breaking into homes — not stealing but, instead, leaving things that the residents need. It frustrates the police, especially officer Heather Gerisch, because she doesn’t want the rash of break-ins to get out of hand. When Andy, Judi and Andy’s uncle and mentor, Rip, also realize that a beautiful flower garden has appeared in town, they conclude that all of these coinciding happenings must be heaven-sent. What message is trying to come through to them?
From a young age, Andy has lived with facial scars from abuse, and his mother, Judi, blames herself for not protecting him. Now, Andy is hearing what seem to be messages from God through his iPod earphones. At the same time, a mysterious “Summer Santa” is breaking into homes — not stealing but, instead, leaving things that the residents need. It frustrates the police, especially officer Heather Gerisch, because she doesn’t want the rash of break-ins to get out of hand. When Andy, Judi and Andy’s uncle and mentor, Rip, also realize that a beautiful flower garden has appeared in town, they conclude that all of these coinciding happenings must be heaven-sent. What message is trying to come through to them?
January 16, 2016
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 forgiven. Forgiveness can do great things. It has a real power. It can change lives, not only yours but those around you. You can speak to God at all times. It doesn't have to be only when you have failed in some way. To go along with speaking to God, you must listen to God. It's like a two way street. In order to listen to God, you must be patient and really put your entire being into what he tells you.
In order to have strong binds with others and God, we have to trust God. He may not lead us in a way that we want but it may be the right way.
The author, Mr. Sirls has written some wonderful lessons to strengthen your faith, or perhaps put you on the right course. No one is perfect. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. But we must remember that God forgives if we just talk to him and lay our troubles in his hands. The characters that Mr. Sirls wrote about were just everyday people, just like you and me. They are characters you can definitely relate to. I would recommend this book to anyone who perhaps is doubting their faith or feel that they have no good qualities and everything they do is wrong. This book may change your mind, but you have to believe.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of SINNER'S GARDEN by William Sirls from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest opinion. No other compensation took place.
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 forgiven. Forgiveness can do great things. It has a real power. It can change lives, not only yours but those around you. You can speak to God at all times. It doesn't have to be only when you have failed in some way. To go along with speaking to God, you must listen to God. It's like a two way street. In order to listen to God, you must be patient and really put your entire being into what he tells you.
In order to have strong binds with others and God, we have to trust God. He may not lead us in a way that we want but it may be the right way.
The author, Mr. Sirls has written some wonderful lessons to strengthen your faith, or perhaps put you on the right course. No one is perfect. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. But we must remember that God forgives if we just talk to him and lay our troubles in his hands. The characters that Mr. Sirls wrote about were just everyday people, just like you and me. They are characters you can definitely relate to. I would recommend this book to anyone who perhaps is doubting their faith or feel that they have no good qualities and everything they do is wrong. This book may change your mind, but you have to believe.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of SINNER'S GARDEN by William Sirls from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest opinion. No other compensation took place.
February 13, 2014
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 review at http://bit.ly/1bZzI7T.
December 17, 2013
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.
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.
November 5, 2013
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 believes God doesn't love him, well he starts hearing God in a very usual place. His uncle Rip wants him to start loving his mom again and give his life to God but will Andy do that or will he just continue to be behind the wall he has built so many years ago. Judi, is heart broken that her son hates her and she will do anything to make her little boy love her again. But what can she do? Rip, is an ex-con who had been dealing drugs when he got arrested. Did his time in the joint change him or did it make him a harder man to deal with. Heather, the family friend who is also a small town cop has her own problems that she is trying to get over but will she ever be able too?
I am not going to tell about the garden you will have to read how that fits into the book :D
This is a part in the book when I read it I just loved it that I had to jump online and post it on my facebook page:
What does moping around do for anybody? Did you know that a bad mood is the fastest kind of mood to spread? page 291 of The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls.
Rather you have read The Reason or never heard of William Sirls you really need to read this book! It just made my top 10 books of the year and The Reason was already on that list! The Sinner's Garden is a stand alone novel.
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 believes God doesn't love him, well he starts hearing God in a very usual place. His uncle Rip wants him to start loving his mom again and give his life to God but will Andy do that or will he just continue to be behind the wall he has built so many years ago. Judi, is heart broken that her son hates her and she will do anything to make her little boy love her again. But what can she do? Rip, is an ex-con who had been dealing drugs when he got arrested. Did his time in the joint change him or did it make him a harder man to deal with. Heather, the family friend who is also a small town cop has her own problems that she is trying to get over but will she ever be able too?
I am not going to tell about the garden you will have to read how that fits into the book :D
This is a part in the book when I read it I just loved it that I had to jump online and post it on my facebook page:
What does moping around do for anybody? Did you know that a bad mood is the fastest kind of mood to spread? page 291 of The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls.
Rather you have read The Reason or never heard of William Sirls you really need to read this book! It just made my top 10 books of the year and The Reason was already on that list! The Sinner's Garden is a stand alone novel.
May 21, 2025
I’d not heard of this author before but the bio on the back cover of the book intrigued me. Author William Sirls was once a senior vice president in a large investment firm. In 2007 he was incarcerated for wire fraud and money laundering. There is a line in the book that keeps repeating, “God must be in prison, because that’s where so many people seem to meet him.” I’m assuming that’s where the author met God as well.
I read the book and enjoyed it. I normally am not one for reading religious literature, but this book had a lot of twists and turns and in the beginning I thought there was something supernatural happening in the small community of Benning, turns out there was, just not what I thought of as supernatural. The characters were a little extreme in temperament but still believable. I enjoyed the story line and would recommend it.
I read the book and enjoyed it. I normally am not one for reading religious literature, but this book had a lot of twists and turns and in the beginning I thought there was something supernatural happening in the small community of Benning, turns out there was, just not what I thought of as supernatural. The characters were a little extreme in temperament but still believable. I enjoyed the story line and would recommend it.
January 25, 2020
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.
August 5, 2017
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 this book are enough to fill another book of my own. I learned more about God's love and that He loves us no matter what our faults are (or what we believe our faults are). God chooses those that are broken as leaders. Moses had a speech impediment, but God chose him to be a great leader. David was an adulterer, but He was also a Man after God's heart. God loves all people and everyone has a special role as part of the Body of Christ. I also learned about how important forgiveness is and how it can change the lives of you and the people around you. It is one of the hardest things to do, but it is also one of the most important things to do in strengthening your relationship with others and your relationship with God. I was also reminded that God is everywhere and we do not have to have a miracle to occur to be able to speak to God. All we have to do is speak and then listen for His response (and sometimes this includes having a little bit, or a lot, of patience). I cannto wait to read this book again once it is released and learn about all the other things that God put on William Sirls's heart to share with the world through this book.
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 this book are enough to fill another book of my own. I learned more about God's love and that He loves us no matter what our faults are (or what we believe our faults are). God chooses those that are broken as leaders. Moses had a speech impediment, but God chose him to be a great leader. David was an adulterer, but He was also a Man after God's heart. God loves all people and everyone has a special role as part of the Body of Christ. I also learned about how important forgiveness is and how it can change the lives of you and the people around you. It is one of the hardest things to do, but it is also one of the most important things to do in strengthening your relationship with others and your relationship with God. I was also reminded that God is everywhere and we do not have to have a miracle to occur to be able to speak to God. All we have to do is speak and then listen for His response (and sometimes this includes having a little bit, or a lot, of patience). I cannto wait to read this book again once it is released and learn about all the other things that God put on William Sirls's heart to share with the world through this book.
November 15, 2013
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 has covered on the cross to make me acceptable for His glory. Only Jesus can do that and we can only receive that when we Believe. Congratulations William for another wonderful story of helping us to look at God's perfect plan in an imperfect world.
February 18, 2015
Another amazing book! I can definitely see myself reading this one again.
September 22, 2017
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 character interacted with each other and showed growth...the family and Heather did anyway.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys Christian fiction that doesn't shy away from the supernatural. If you enjoy books about healing families, you may enjoy this book too. It is very well written, and it was hard for me to put down.
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 character interacted with each other and showed growth...the family and Heather did anyway.
I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys Christian fiction that doesn't shy away from the supernatural. If you enjoy books about healing families, you may enjoy this book too. It is very well written, and it was hard for me to put down.
April 24, 2018
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 There was also an element of mystery as to who was the Summer Santa and I only wished that Rip had another ending and In the end, we can believe if we choose to believe and feel without having to go through what Andy did.
I liked the pace of the book and There was also an element of mystery as to who was the Summer Santa and I only wished that Rip had another ending and In the end, we can believe if we choose to believe and feel without having to go through what Andy did.
October 9, 2017
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 end Andy's pain.
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.
September 28, 2020
This book surprised me, in a good way. The plot didn't sound like the sort of thing I normally enjoy reading (I don't usually like to suspend belief in my reading), but this one actually worked for me. I'm still not exactly sure what the point of the garden was. The symbolism was a bit lost on me. But overall, it was written in an easy-to-read way, and I found myself engaged the whole way through.
April 26, 2021
My husband and I really liked listening to this book as you can tell we listened to the whole thing over two days while on vacation! It’s really hard to describe. Definitely written from a strong Christian worldview and it’s a book that really makes you think. The author really fleshed out the characters - especially the main character. It’s an awesome book and I’m going to look and see if the author has any more books out.
October 24, 2018
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."
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."
October 30, 2018
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.
April 25, 2020
I really liked this book, written by a former executive who did prison time for money laundering. He grew close to God in prison, as did the main character in this book. There was a touch of the surreal, as God spoke through an iPod, but I believe God can speak any way He wants. And He spoke beautifully into the relationships in this book.
May 13, 2020
Received this book in a "mystery box" and I am so glad I got it and read it. This book has a little mystery and suspense near the end. It is also a story of faith, trusting God and listening to His voice. Couldn't help but feel joy at the conclusion of the book. I will read from this author again.
December 10, 2016
Good read. Thoughtful tale of forgiveness and hope. Suspenseful parts at the beginning and toward the end.
September 21, 2017
SUCH an incredible book. It may have just changed my life. Absolutely amazing. A must-read for sure!!!
January 28, 2018
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.
July 3, 2018
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.
November 8, 2019
Very thought provoking
I found it dug deep into our faults and failures, showing us even when we lose ourselves, God still forgives us.
I found it dug deep into our faults and failures, showing us even when we lose ourselves, God still forgives us.
January 28, 2020
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.
February 15, 2020
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!
April 21, 2020
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be quite predictable. I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected and would definitely read this author again.
January 4, 2021
A really well written book. I can't say much else without adding spoilers. It is a very good story. It made me cry and cry, in a good way.
August 20, 2021
I liked it, but it was pretty predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews