Lying on Sunday

by Sharon K. Souza

After Abbie learns her husband died of a heart attack in another woman’s bed, she must learn to forgive, while determining if the truth really can set her free.

Women readers will enjoy this fast paced story with meaningful topics and a humorous tone.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary

427 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2008

About the author

I love writing contemporary women's fiction. I incorporate vital subjects (infertility, catastrophic illness, infidelity, extreme loss, etc) with enough humor to keep the story from becoming too heavy, as I believe the first job of fiction is to entertain. But I also want to make the reading of the story worthwhile. My novels always incorporate strong friendships -- the kind we all desire -- and explore the wonderful but complex relations between mothers and daughters.

Reviews

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abigail (Abbie) Torrington had a husband, but he died in another woman's bed and if that wasn't enough news to handle, Abigail receives divorce papers on the very day she finds out about her husbands infidelity. Abigail has a mother who is very critical of her every move, a daughter, Bailey, who treats her as if she's the child (this girl was so disrespectful to her mother) and another daughter, Becca, who shows her the respect she deserves. Abigail also has a best friend she can count on when she needs advice or someone to just listen, and that's Shawlie. And she has a good relationship with her father. But how does Abigail feel about herself? Especially after finding out about her husband's affair?
When I read what this book was about I expected a story focusing mainly on the wife and the other woman. The whole 'who is she' thing - hunting her down, finding her, confronting her. That would have been some serious drama!
This story wasn't about the other woman as much as it was about how Abigail dealt with the shocking news and the changes she made. Lying on Sunday allows the reader to journey through the life of Abigail Torrington and watch her grow from an insecure woman who was controlled by her husband to a woman courageous enough to make her own choices. And, because Abigail keeps thinking back about things that happened when her husband was alive, the reader gets to learn a bit about Robert Andrew Torrington (aka Trey). I read this story back in July and I liked it.

[Lacey Rabara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbie Torrington is confronted with the death and divorce of her husband on the very same day. Not wanting to hurt her daughters, she keeps the divorce and his affair a secret. As a reader, I really felt as if I was journeying with Abbie, through heartbreak, confusion, and obligation to her daughters. Her struggle to become her own person after years of following her husband’s “rules” is inspiring and quite comical. The realistic description of hurt and betrayal plunged me into Abbie’s experience. Abbie learns that although it may hurt, the truth shall set you free. And indeed it did. Her inner strength to seek the truth and to shed her fears of moving on is inspiring. She discovers the importance of friendship and family, and what it means to let go. Rooting for Abbie as she grows into a more independent, confident woman is inevitable. Her insights on life are refreshing and I am refreshed along with her. I can truly say this book has changed my outlook on forgiveness and friendship. This novel is great and anyone who reads it will be glad they did!

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get very far in this book. It is well written and interesting, but I find for me the content is't something I should read. When I read about a man cheating on his wife it reminds me of when I was cheated on in the past. It brings up those hurt & rejected feelings and makes me question my current relationship. For this reason, and is in no way a negative reflection on the book itself, I have stopped reading.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lying on Sunday is the captivating tale of one woman’s journey through the pain of loss, the agony of betrayal, and the heartache of protecting those she loves. Sharon Souza has created a character so vivid and real you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into Abbie Torrington’s life. You don’t want to miss this beautiful story of healing and grace.

[Melissa Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman deals with several major life changes at the same time (don't want to give any spoilers!). Light read; very cute.

[Liberty Public · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book clubbers loved this book! Sharon Souza has a great writing skill and we have read more of her books. So glad we came across this author!

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Abbie Torrington, betrayal and truth are about to collide.

With one phone call, Abbie's perfect world comes crashing down. Her husband has died of a heart attack in San Diego. But he was supposed to be in Dallas. And just when she thinks it couldn't get worse, the doorbell rings.

As she searches for healing, Abbie fights to protect her daughters from the knowledge of their father's infidelity ... and from the secret locked away in her hope chest. On a whim she sets out on a journey that leads to the truth, but can the truth really set Abbie free? And is she brave enough to face it?

The story takes hold of your heart and breaks it!!! It throws you in the midst of Abbie;s life, where she is dealing with the death of her husband at the same time she discovered his infidelity. Her husband died in another woman's bed while he was on a business trip..imagine having to tell your kids the truth! Heartbreaking but inspiring in ways!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book about extreme sorrow, but also extreme hope. By the 5th chapter Abigail has gone through a wide array of emotions, she feels betrayed and violated. With many books of this nature it can be easy for the characters to become wallowing in self-pity. The author gave a glimpse of Abbie's sorrow without letting her character get tiresome to the reader.
Sharon K. Souza gives us the feel of Abigail's grief, anger and disbelief all in a very short amount of time, and that takes amazing skill. Lying on Sunday made me laugh and cry with a torrent of conficting emotions running through me in the meantime. This book is very well written and is now a favorite fiction book of mine!

[ShareStories · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had all the characteristics I look for in a good read. Sharon K. Souza gets into the characters' heads--and not just the main character. We see Abbie's relationship with her parents, her daughters, her best friend and her husband in some depth. We are not trapped inside her head alone. We go on the journey with her.

This book rings true. The spiritual portions of the book are not overwhelming and happen naturally, like they do in life. Abbie's reaction to her husband's death and betrayal also ring true as do the at times tense relationships with some of her family members.

The ending was satisfying without being too formulaic.

I'm going to look for other books by this author.

[April Suter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because," he said, his blue eyes shining, "there is nothing so delicious as story." My favorite quote on this novel page 189.

Finding truth and learning to walk the path with God are the key points of this book. Abbie's husband dies (on her daughters birthday) and within minutes she is served with divorce papers. Wow, Job, check that out! How do you grieve, move on, start anew, deal with other people's expectations, hate and forgive? When you have a great best friend and The Good Book.

This novel will make the reader laugh...giggle...I know, a little silly with such serious subjects.

427 pages

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished rereading this move. It drags, quite a bit, in places.

However rereading it underscores how a person's position in life can alter how they perceive a novel. I don't remember particularly enjoying this book, in won't say that I enjoyed it this time, it did however affect the way I think of parenting my almost adult children, I felt frustrated that we never get to really understand why Abbie's mom is so hostile toward her. I also was frustrated with much Abbie's mom valued Trey over her own daughter.

With this reading, I felt botched by how slowly Abbie was able to move into a more emotionally healthy position for herself.

[Chantel thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say that I thought it was a little slow going, and I got mad a few times at the main character for the things she put up with! With that said, I will say that I did identify with the characters in the book and really enjoyed the book once abbie got started on her journey! You cannot help but root for the main character! I would reccommend this book for sure!! Thank you for letting me be one of the first to read the book!!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am once again amazed at Sharon’s ability to tap into all of my senses in her story telling. The characters in Lying on Sunday are so real, you can find someone you know in each of them. A journey of self discovery for Abbie, finding strength in her family, best friend and ultimately the Lord.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't recall why I had my doubts about this one but I liked the second half more than the first. I finished reading it with a smile on my face and went online looking for a possible sequel. I'm not a fan of conversion stories because they always seem so contrived (eye-roll here) but this wasn't like that at all.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully inspiring. Abbie struggles with trying to make changes that are good for her while still trying to maintain peace with in the family. As many of us are familiar, sometimes we have to make changes that our family doesn't support us with. What a great lesson in determination and survival!

[Kim Knapek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book I'd recommend. It's about a woman trying to deal with her life after her husband dies while having sex with another woman. that same day she's served divorce papers and had no idea! She has two daughters who adored their dad, so she struggles with the truth and protecting them, but also trying to move on. Great story!

[Linda Stuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a bit slow but once I got into it, like others, I didn't want to put it down. The author revealed 'just enough' to keep you turning the pages. Abigal (Abbie) did a fine job of balancing everyones feelings during the lose of their 'loved one'.... A must read. Will look forward to reading more of this authors work.

[Sarah]

I liked this book and felt the main character was somewhat developed and complex. The dynamics among female family members are accurate, insightful, and funny. I wanted her husband to have something likable or redeeming about him, and I struggled with some plot aspects toward the end in terms of believability. Overall a good pool read!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I liked the premise of a woman whose husband dies on a "business trip" and she is served divorce papers within hours of finding out he has passed away. The book centers on her grief process and her trying to protect her daughters from the truth about their dad.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Torrington finds out about her husband's affair and divorce plans on the same day she learns of his death. Shocked and not knowing how to grieve after her seeming perfect life is shattered, Abbie must discover who she is and where she can find healing.

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of a woman who faced her husband's death and being served with divorce papers in the same day. Abbie showed a woman's strength in dealing with her grief and her daughters' grief. I would highly recommend this book.

[Lisa Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read Christian literature, not because it's not wonderful but because it's just a little too "in your face" I guess. But I really enjoyed this book. The religious aspect enhanced the story and didn't overpower it.

[Kim W. Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

As she dissects her marriage in her mind, she sees things in a clearer light. It's powerful for her to see how she gave up or had control manipulated from her. It is a good book