What do you think?
Rate this book
Sullivan Crisp #3
Healing Sands
Her life was spinning out of control. A mix of anger and emptiness defined her. Desperate for true peace, she headed to a place of rest--the healing sands.
424 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2009
22 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
225 books289 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 6, 2015
Gee...I was reading like crazy without commenting. Read all three Healing books twice, years apart. And have contacted the publisher three times asking for more in this Sullivan Crisp series. To no avail. MANY people do not appreciate therapy/counseling. Okay then, it will happen out in public : D Life becomes your counselor in many colorful ways. For the lives of the Arterburn/Rue characters in Healing Stones, Healing Waters, & Healing Sands, life happens in a real and big way -and the colors turned pretty.
October 13, 2018
I am certain that I experienced and related to every feeling Ryan Coe had in this book.
September 27, 2022
A good re-listen to an inspiring novel. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, characters on diverging paths, the ever-shifting sands of the Chihuahuan Desert. Also lots of reference to anger-management. Well done. I especially liked the character of Sully.
June 17, 2010
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two Sullivan Crisp books. However, it stuck with me. I continue to contemplate some of the themes explored within the plot and character development. Sully's character seems to come full circle. It's interesting to look back to the previous books and see the progression. Though not my favorite, I would still recommend it.
April 21, 2010
I really enjoyed this book--not as much as healing stones, but more than healing waters. The story and characters were intriguing. I admit I missed the Buzzzz and Ding-Ding-Ding of the game show therapy that was in the other books.
I liked the fact that Sullivan Crisp found some kind of closure for his relational issues as well.
I liked the fact that Sullivan Crisp found some kind of closure for his relational issues as well.
April 18, 2012
I am a big fan of the Sullivan Crisp books, but this one was a little off for me. Healing Waters is my favorite so far. I was glad to see anger, from a wife and mother's perspective, addressed.
September 29, 2013
I love this Sullivan Crisp series. Looking forward to the next one.
April 19, 2022
One of the best books I've ever read. I was drawn in from the very beginning. This book shows that the path to healing isn't easy but it leads to peace
May 10, 2017
Healing Sands by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn is third in the Sullivan Crisp novels. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone story. And story it is. Touching on anger, murder, race, betrayal, faith in God, and a mother's love the authors have developed a well-written book--one that is grippingly honest and authentic. The prose is vivid and exquisite. "...her voice had sounded just as he remembered--like a bright silk scarf slipping across his soul." It's all about surrender--but surrender to what? to whom? How does one let go? Surrender is painful. It's frightening. It's daunting. But it is the right, the only thing to do. The characters are well-developed and evocative. Their lives are shattering and the reader is right there, wondering how in the world will the pieces come together if the pieces can even all be found. An excellent book about facing the challenges life can unexpectedly throw.
February 27, 2025
A rare for me 5 star review. This book had my complete attention from start to finish. It's newr impossible to put down. Out of the 3 books in this series (which all were very worthy of my time) this one may just be my favorite. Not often can a story end in a way that you're satisfied with and don't feel cheated, or disappointed. The characters, the story, the culmination of characters over 3 books, everything wrapped up in a perfect package. It was definitely the most daring story; only once did I find myself saying "yeah right" in the sense that the plot was unrelatable. In retrospect, it was just that it was unrelatable to me. That didn't stop me from becoming engrossed in every detail. Highly recommend this book/story/series for those interested in religion, therapy, marriage/divorce, parents of teenage sons, crime, justice, racial/immigration issues, healing and more.
July 6, 2020
The best of the series . . . a book that brings out how our childhood affects our adult actions . . . the trust we give to others, including Mentors in our Professional lives, manipulation, Biases, the emotional rollercoaster of watching our kids grow up, and how our Faith can make it work! Highly recommend this as a bookclub read . . . ; I don’t think you need to read the whole series to enjoy this one, but if you do, save this one to read last
September 1, 2023
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I had read the first two books of the trilogy and loved them all, but this one was definitely the best. The hook was set in chapter one and things got deeper in each chapter. Lots of turns and twists. Very well done. It “helps” to have read the first two books, but not necessary to enjoy this one.
June 10, 2017
The best of three. So happy to finally see Sully's story evolve - and with such plot twists. I loved the mystery part but also the therapy sessions. I gained some very personal insights by reading this book.
August 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book almost as much as Healing Waters. I do enjoy the multiple story lines. It was a little distracting jumping back and forth between 1st person (Ryan's story) and 3rd person (Sully's story) mid-chapter/ mid-story.
June 5, 2023
I liked it! It's not easy to find well-written Christian fiction, so this was a pleasant surprise, even though the plot was somewhat predictable. I look forward to reading the other Sullivan Crisp novels.
December 11, 2025
Whew I don't get it! This book has high reviews and on the first page I was already so bored I didn't want to go any further. When the first page starts out complaining and shits going wrong like water bottles falling into camera cases, I'm out. Come on!
June 21, 2018
Really good, lots of twist and turns
September 1, 2018
Read for the 2018 Reading Challenge: A book by a favorite author
I struggled with this one; something about the characters never gelled. Nancy's Reluctant Prophet series is more compelling IMHO.
I struggled with this one; something about the characters never gelled. Nancy's Reluctant Prophet series is more compelling IMHO.
July 12, 2019
It sort of tied together a little to neat but felt previous #1 and #2 were more life like. But still great and like the progression of handling anger.
July 2, 2021
Love this!!
December 30, 2021
Loved everything about the Sullivan Crisp series. The right set of books for the right time in my life.
March 22, 2017
I loved this book!! The characters are written so they are relatable. Doc Crisp is very entertaining in each book and has such a heart for people even thru his own problems. I have enjoyed being part of his journey and getting to know him more with each book. I wish there were more books to come!!
December 7, 2009
Ryan needs help controlling her anger and getting her family back. Sully is on a search to put closure to the deaths of his wife and daughter. Dan needs help being firmer and more decisive. Each of these characters is an integral part of "Healing Sands." They each need to learn how to surrender to God and let Him guide their choices and direction. Is it easy? No, especially when Ryan goes to an accident to take pictures only to find her 15 year old son being arrested for running over a Hispanic teenager. Then, he won't talk to her and Dan (her ex-husband) won't make him. What will happen to Jake and Alex? How do Ginger and Ian fit into the picture? The twists and turns of the case will keep any reader riveted to their seat.
Sully is looking for Belinda Cox. His idea is to talk to her and make sure she never causes another person to commit suicide. Why is he arrested? How does Kyle fit into the puzzle?
Each person has to look for help from God. Some are reluctant to do so. Will they find their way to Him? I found the story engrossing and compelling. The characters seemed real, and their pain excruciating. There are many things I can use in my own life and it seems that any reader will come away with help and comfort. I recommend it to everyone. With the discussion guide in the back, this book is a great idea for book clubs.
Sully is looking for Belinda Cox. His idea is to talk to her and make sure she never causes another person to commit suicide. Why is he arrested? How does Kyle fit into the puzzle?
Each person has to look for help from God. Some are reluctant to do so. Will they find their way to Him? I found the story engrossing and compelling. The characters seemed real, and their pain excruciating. There are many things I can use in my own life and it seems that any reader will come away with help and comfort. I recommend it to everyone. With the discussion guide in the back, this book is a great idea for book clubs.
October 15, 2012
For those who may be unfamiliar with the Sullivan Crisp series, it is written by a Christian author with the help of a Christian psychologist. Each story takes us through a completely different person's journey to spiritual healing with the help of Dr. Sullivan Crisp, a fictional Christian psychologist - a character I really like, by the way. After not really getting into book two, I was pleasantly surprised by book 3 in the series. I could more readily identify with the main character, Ryan, a mom of two sons, 15 and 10, who had left her husband and taken an overseas assignment in an attempt to run from the pain caused by her sons' choice to live with their father. When her 15yo is accused of a brutal crime, she wants desperately to help, but her own inability to control her anger prevents her from doing so. The story has many twists and turns, taking us through her journey to healing, which includes not only therapy with Dr. Crisp, but also forming a bond with a few Christian women with whom she can open up and feel accepted and loved. All in all, a very good read.
January 26, 2010
Having read the previous novels by these authors, I am excited to begin this new adventure. What an adventure it was!
Each of the trio of books by these authors are about women experiencing difficult personal challenges. This book is about a recently divorced woman whose teen-aged son has been charged with a serious felony. Complicating things is his rage at her for 'causing' so much pain in his life, so he resists her attempts at apologies and reconciliation ~ just when he needs her the most.
Set in New Mexico, the title refers to the wonderful natural miracle known as White Sands. Apparently, White Sands came about by years of winds breaking down and blowing crystals across the landscape of New Mexico until there were great piles...dunes of seemingly barren white sand.
Like life, things are hardly what they seem when looked at casually. Read this book to learn the discoveries made by the main character, and perhaps make some discoveries about yourself.
Each of the trio of books by these authors are about women experiencing difficult personal challenges. This book is about a recently divorced woman whose teen-aged son has been charged with a serious felony. Complicating things is his rage at her for 'causing' so much pain in his life, so he resists her attempts at apologies and reconciliation ~ just when he needs her the most.
Set in New Mexico, the title refers to the wonderful natural miracle known as White Sands. Apparently, White Sands came about by years of winds breaking down and blowing crystals across the landscape of New Mexico until there were great piles...dunes of seemingly barren white sand.
Like life, things are hardly what they seem when looked at casually. Read this book to learn the discoveries made by the main character, and perhaps make some discoveries about yourself.
June 21, 2016
I read Healing Stones so long ago that I don't really remember it very well. I remember that I liked it pretty well, though. Healing Waters was not my favorite. It seemed too fake. But I really liked this Healing Sands a lot. Some parts bothered me, especially the parts where God was brought in. It seemed like it was kind of an after-thought to include him. Especially the parts including Ryan meeting the soccer moms. They were so mean and petty, and then they started asking her about her relationship with God, kind of in a condescending way and then suddenly the same people have deep heart-to-heart talks. It's not terrible, but it did bother me!
Also, sometimes there were kind of loose ends or obvious thoughts the characters should have had, especially concerning the mystery!
Other than that, this was actually kind of a page-turner. I really did enjoy it and especially enjoyed the last half.
Also, sometimes there were kind of loose ends or obvious thoughts the characters should have had, especially concerning the mystery!
Other than that, this was actually kind of a page-turner. I really did enjoy it and especially enjoyed the last half.
January 8, 2010
Sullivan is living inthe southwest after finding Belinda Cox the therapist that drove his wife to commit suicide.
Ryan Coe is a angry, divorced mother. She is a photojournalist and is working for the local paper so she can be near her two sons, whom her ex-husband has custody of.
She is sent on assignment to a downtown traffic accident involving a pedestrian, when she shoot a photo of the driver of the vehicle she sees he oldest son in the drivers seat.
Her son is arrested for hitting a hispanic boy and a note found in the cab of the truck points to a hate crime.
Ryan must deal with the fact that her son does not want to communicate with her, and her own anger that threatens to spill over and ruin all their lives.
She turns to Dr. Sullivan Crisp for help in his clinic. Will she get the help she needs so she can help her son?
Ryan Coe is a angry, divorced mother. She is a photojournalist and is working for the local paper so she can be near her two sons, whom her ex-husband has custody of.
She is sent on assignment to a downtown traffic accident involving a pedestrian, when she shoot a photo of the driver of the vehicle she sees he oldest son in the drivers seat.
Her son is arrested for hitting a hispanic boy and a note found in the cab of the truck points to a hate crime.
Ryan must deal with the fact that her son does not want to communicate with her, and her own anger that threatens to spill over and ruin all their lives.
She turns to Dr. Sullivan Crisp for help in his clinic. Will she get the help she needs so she can help her son?
April 4, 2011
Sullivan Crisp is back! This time he is attempting to help Ryan, a woman whose anger issues have led to the recent splintering of her family. When her teenage son is charged with attempted murder and refuses to let anyone help him, Ryan realizes she can't handle life on her own anymore. With Sully's help and that of a group of women Ryan never would have chosen on her own, she begins to understand what it means to let God have His way with her life.
Sully's story is coming full circle. He is finally ready to meet with the woman who was responsible for his wife's suicide. Things are not always what they seem, however, and things are destined to get much worse before they get better.
This was a good story that held plenty of crime scene drama, inner personal conflict, and hope. A fitting conclusion to a great trilogy!
Sully's story is coming full circle. He is finally ready to meet with the woman who was responsible for his wife's suicide. Things are not always what they seem, however, and things are destined to get much worse before they get better.
This was a good story that held plenty of crime scene drama, inner personal conflict, and hope. A fitting conclusion to a great trilogy!
June 9, 2011
Rue and Arterburn complete the Sullivan Crisp series with the story of Ryan Coe, a divorced mom who is having difficulty dealing with her anger. She ends up seeing Christian counselor Sullivan Crisp to help her overcome it.
Ryan Coe is a photo journalist who arrives at the scene of a young boy being run over by a car. Turns out it is her son who is arrested for it. Her son won't talk to her about it.
Sully is dealing with issues of his own. Years ago his wife committed suicide and took his infant daughters life also. Faulty counseling pushed his wife over the edge. Sully has gone all over the country trying to find the counselor who pushed his wife over the edge. He has found her in New Mexico finally. How will he handle the confrontation?
I enjoyed the healing trilogy. It shows how God works in our lives. We aren't done till we're dead.
Ryan Coe is a photo journalist who arrives at the scene of a young boy being run over by a car. Turns out it is her son who is arrested for it. Her son won't talk to her about it.
Sully is dealing with issues of his own. Years ago his wife committed suicide and took his infant daughters life also. Faulty counseling pushed his wife over the edge. Sully has gone all over the country trying to find the counselor who pushed his wife over the edge. He has found her in New Mexico finally. How will he handle the confrontation?
I enjoyed the healing trilogy. It shows how God works in our lives. We aren't done till we're dead.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews