This was Linda Nichol's debut novel for Christian fiction. The main character, Mary Bridget Washburn, is on the run from the law and a previous life of horror with a crack producing boyfriend. She meets a pastor and his three children who are sorely in need of someone to love them, and that's all I can say without ruining a wonderful reading experience. Nichol's demonstrates how God's love can overcome geographic, cultural,and stereotype obstacles to make things happen they way He designed them. Aunt Winifred in the novel will make you want to pull your hair out, but is necessary to make the story work, as she exemplifies people we all know who are far more concerned about what other people think, rather than pleasing God.

Excellent Christian Fiction. Wonderful read. Second chances are always special.

Mary Bridget Washburn was tired of running, tired of being haunted by he empty shell her life had become. How in the world did the little girl she's once been now become a woman on the wrong side of the law? Determined to make a new start, she escapes to the quaint city of Alexandria, VA, where she finds sanctuary in the shadow of a decades-old church. The pastor of that church has secrets of his own to hide, blind and numb to his own problems and the growing anguish of his motherless family. In helping them, can Mary re-find herself, or is everything lost now she has fallen so low?

This was a WONDERFUL, INSPIRING, DELIGHTFUL, UPLIFTING novel, far from any formula books of Christian faith you have ever read or listened to. The writing is beautiful and transparent, the personalities genuine, and the dilemmas matter. A fast pace and unexpected plot twists make the book tense and hard to put down.

Linda Nichols, the author, has written some of the most brilliant, insightful, soul-searching novels I've ever read. Every one of heres is a favorite! Don't miss this one, or any of her others. They will shock, surprise, and touch you deeply. And they are CLEAN!

Linda Nichols is one of my favourite writers and I love everything she writes.

Bridie is on the run from her family, violent boyfriend, even herself. But then she finds herself as nanny in the house of a widowed minister and she is finally happy. Can this last???

Good book

I enjoyed this book. It's a different type of story for a Christian book. The story is more real than a lot of Christian fiction. Plus, being Christian oriented, it gets the point across without a lot of violence, bad language and sex.

Excellent!

This book has it all. Suspense, fear, regret, love, faith, redemption. It's a truly heartwarming tale. The first chapter is a little clunky to get past. For those who aren't accustomed to hearing the frank prayers of a little old lady, it may be off putting, but I recommend sticking it out. The rest of the book is easy to read and tells the story of a young woman who is running from her past, and unable to fully embrace the future she wants. This book has a lot of depth, and the characters, even the deceased one we never truly meet, are all fully developed and believable. My heart broke for young Samantha as she learned to deal with her grief. This is a story of how ordinary people can become heroes in the lives of those they love.

This book was fantastic for a light read...I wasn't expecting a whole lot from it, but I was blown away by the deeper message it carries about finding love and faith after hard times. Even though I couldn't relate to the exact situation the book focused on, I could definitely relate to having things in your past that hold you back from your current faith. The character development was great and the writing quality was wonderful. I got attached to the characters from the beginning and couldn't put the book down. The writing flowed very well and it was easy to read. The faith element was not at all preachy, but still prevalent enough to send a strong message.

Mary ran away from her druggie boyfriend and anonymously reported him to the police. Soon, she found herself crossing paths with a minister's sister who invited her to dinner.
I was confused at the beginning of the story. The author told the stories of two or three different people. I stayed with the story even though I was confused by this. The author tied the different characters together later on in the book.
I enjoyed how the characters struggled with forgiving themselves for their sins. Mary thought of the damage that she helped her boyfriend to cause by buying cough medicine in order to make methamphetamine. The author stayed in the story without dragging me out of it in order to preach about her faith.

What an incredible story if sin, forgiveness, family feuds, loss and love - shining His Light throughout the pages!
I think we can all find a glimpse of our own life in this story, with an inspiration for a happy ending for all☝️

Birdie is running from her past. She meets a family in need of help because of sickness and heavy hearts.
Her idea of helping a teenager goes misunderstood. Her past is catching up with her and she is afraid she will end up in prison.
Through her love and tender care the pastor and his children are now well and Birdie has found great joy with the family.