This is a beautiful story about redemption. The story of a young woman whose life was marred by tragedy and wrong choices. But she finds the courage to change. The conflict in the opening chapters sets the stage and kept me turning the page.
Each character was well rounded with their own issues, conflict, and personality flaws that blended together perfectly. I enjoyed seeing each character's story wrapped up in the end and there were no hanging threads.
Mary's life is mirrored in the young girl, Samantha's. Who else is better to help a grieving lost girl than someone who has experienced similar circumstances? Isn't that like God to take our pain and suffering to help another and in the end both find healing? Linda did a superb job of blending all of that together. With a few twist and turns that left me both tearing up and smiling, I found this book both enjoyable and thought provoking.
I look forward to reading more of Linda Nichols books.

Wonderful novel for the author's first delve into Christian fiction! This story is about the redeeming love of a young woman and the family who are all transformed by God's love.

Not too bad... A little too predictable but the story definitely improved about halfway through as everyone's secrets started coming out in the open and they were forced to deal with their pasts. I enjoyed the parts about the mother's journals even though they weren't the happiest memories. The book could have been improved with a bit more realistic characters though. I highly doubt any church would approve of a young, beautiful, single woman living with their unmarried pastor. I don't know many men who would be so passive about that woman completely changing their home while they're out of town either. Even when one of the characters is in danger near the end of the book, you know where the story's leading. It all seemed a bit too perfect...

Overlooking the unrealistic details, the basic story is good. A woman who has made bad choices in her life, comes to know her Heavenly Father's love and forgiveness, straightens her life out and helps a family heal along the way.

Superb

This book is well written and kept my interest. I liked how scripture verses were in this book. Suspenseful at times which I liked.

I like Linda Nichols writing but this story wasn't realistic enough for me.

It’s always wonderful to realize we have second chances. I enjoyed the theme of this book even with the cheesy writing.

This book was really very good. Couldn’t put it down.

Linda Nichols is my new favorite author. She has a special way of telling a story that brings the characters and their situation to life. Not a Sparrow Falls relates to the scripture about the Lord providing for the sparrow how much more does he care about you. This is novel will pull at your heart-strings and won’t let go. If you take the message of the story to heart it could be life changing. These characters and their situation stayed with me long after I read the last word. I can’t stop talking about this author and her books. I think she is as engaging as Francine Rivers.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurentt
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

Two desperate people- One with all the answers & One with none at all. This is the story about a young woman named Mary B. Washburn & how her life became an empty shell as her family fell apart. Can she make a new start? Can she leave her tainted past behind her long enough to bring hope to another family? This book seemed a little wierd to me at first but once I got into it, it was hard to put down! Linda weaves a lot of lessons & teachings of truth through-out this book & that is one thing I really liked about it. I could almost see myself in Mary in some of the things she went through. However, let me warn you that this book is more for mature readers because there is drug use involved and several of the characters go to prison etc...

My summary:

Mary Bridget Washburn and Alasdair Robert McPherson's lives and circumstances cannot be more contrastive - she in her most desolate, dark night and he in a sweat-and-blood struggle to keep the light shining as bright as possible. Yet, inevitably, they both reach that place where it is either jump now or go over the edge.

"Two desperate people - one with all the answers... one with none" (from the back of the book's cover)

Intro:

The story beautifully illustrates how God works in all of our lives all of the time. How He expertly uses people in each other's lives to accomplish His will and answer their prayers.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.'

What I liked:

The author switches between the perspectives of various characters involved, but NOT unnecessarily (it serves a specific purpose) or confusingly.

It is and stays exciting! From the cover I expected a regular 'sweet read', but was pleasantly surprised that it kept me wondering what is going to happen next and key questions kept me intrigued. With regards to the end as well! You know how you want it to end, but you are never absolutely sure exactly how it will end.

The characters were authentic. When I was finished I felt like I really got to know these people. This applies to what happens (plot) as well - it was credible.

The epilogue seamlessly ties into the story-line even ties into the end, which creates a very satisfactory circle.

What I didn't like:

Maybe I just don't know enough about the American justice system for the following suggestion to be realistic, but I think that it would have pushed most of the characters' development and the climax to an even higher level if Mary did go to jail for a while. Like I said, maybe I am talking in ignorance.

Now that I know how it all flows and turns out I would not likely read it again soon. Almost like I walked that road, immensely enjoyed the journey, and completed it, but would not walk it again soon. Nor did I wish that the journey could go on for longer. I was satisfied.

In conclusion:

The read was very insightful as to how the verses I quoted in the beginning, would look like in practice. It thought me something about how God works in our lives. I also enjoyed relating to the characters and their individual stories. In a nut - satisfying yet suspenseful.

Note: Next to the name "Second Chances Collection, #1" can be confusing. This story is complete and stands alone; it doesn't relate to the next story in this collection, In Search of Eden, as far as I can tell.

So, so good. Loved the whole story, every character and the drama thAt kept me on the edge of my seat. And of course the spiritual truths. Can’t wait to read another book by this author. She’s truly gifted.

I love stories of SECOND CHANCES. Many characters in this wonderful story get a second chance at life.

Lorna, the aunt who is paying off the debts of a bad first marriage, yet has sacrificed herself to the extreme to care for the children. Winifred, given all mother's glass figures and antiques, now serves with a humbleness. Bob wasn't planning to make a career change so suddenly when he had that article printed. The public defender switches sides, to prosecutor. Jonah Porter gets what he deserves. Cameron and Neely start their lives together.

Anna rests in peace. Samatha knows the answers and turns from torment to happy "normal" teenager. Of course, Alastair and Mary Bridget (Bridie) are released from the pain of their secrets.

Only Grandma and Martha, faithful prayer warrior through it all, remain as always.