Every Good and Perfect Gift: A Novel [Paperback]

Sharon K Souza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 2007

In the classic tradition of movies such as Beaches and Steel Magnolias , Every Good and Perfect Gift shares a heartwarming story of friendship that overcomes all odds. Filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between, Gabby and DeeDee?s journey will strike a chord with female readers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her moving debut novel, Souza shows the power of love and faith in the friendship of two women while exploring the theological problem of bad things happening to good people. Life is smooth sailing for Angel Gabby Whitaker Nevin and her best friend, DeeDee McAllister-Kent, who both married their college sweethearts and have enjoyed their planned child-free lives in California. Then, on the cusp of turning 40, DeeDee gets baby fever and will do anything to become a mother. Gabby rides the roller coaster of infertility as DeeDee desperately tries to conceive, and begins to question her own decision to remain childless. DeeDee's infertility problem is only the beginning of heartache for the two friends, however, as deeper problems create fissures in their well-ordered lives. Throughout, Souza adeptly portrays the strengths of friendship, and the wonderful but often difficult relationships between mothers and daughters. Occasionally, Souza overdetails events, and some unnecessary or needlessly long scenes intrude. Although some readers will find Gabby's acceptance of God's role in DeeDee's suffering coming a little too easily, Souza laudably refuses to succumb to a pat ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends. Souza's poignant story shows promise and should earn her some fans among inspirational fiction readers. (Jan.)
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From the Back Cover

"I?m not the strong one. I?ve never been the strong one."

So believes Gabby Whitaker in her friendship with DeeDee McAllister. They?ve been best friends since sixth grade, when headstrong and courageous DeeDee began mapping out their lives. But after twenty years with her husband, DeeDee changes the plan. Nearing forty years old, she wants a baby?now! Two years of infertility, prayers, and outrageous behavior finally result in the birth of DeeDee?s demand.

Gabby is present for all of it, noting the increasingly strange behavior of her lifelong friend after the baby?s birth. Then comes a diagnosis that threatens to shatter their world. Now Gabby must find the strength and faith to carry DeeDee and herself through the dark unknown, but is she up for it?

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Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (December 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600061753
• ISBN-13: 978-1600061752
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #582,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award-winning author Sharon K. Souza writes contemporary fiction, dealing with issues that are pertinent to women, such as infertility, infidelity, catastrophic illness, etc. But she always softens the subject with a good dose of humor and provides the ideal best friend to walk alongside her protagonist. She offers one free book to any book club that reads one of her novels for their selection, and is available for discussion with the group via phone, or in person if the club is in the Northern California area. For more information visit her website at sharonksouza.com. Also visit her blog at novelmatters.blogspot.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Friendship At Its Truest, June 7, 2008

By 

Chandra Lynn "Chandra Lynn" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Every Good and Perfect Gift: A Novel (Paperback)

In her debut novel, Sharon Souza introduces herself as an author of depth, compassion, and faith. Her first book, Every Good and Perfect Gift is a beautiful look at friendship and sacrifice.

Gabby Whitaker and DeeDee McAllister have been best friends since sixth grade. Theirs is a rare and beautiful friendship born of time and shared faith. Gabby always considered DeeDee the strong one and herself the follower.

Not only are they best friends, but they married best friends. As they near their fortieth birthdays, DeeDee announces her decision that she does want to have a baby, despite her adamancy for the past twenty years she didn't. The four embark on a journey of infertility, tests, trials, failures, and the birth of a beautiful baby. Through it all, Gabby and DeeDee's friendship grows ever stronger. After the birth, Gabby becomes increasingly concerned over disturbing changes in DeeDee's behavior. The diagnosis changes everyone's life forever and challenges their faith. Gabby finds the greatest joy is in sacrificing for your friend.

Sharon Souza has written a modern day story similar to the friendship of Jonathon and David in the Old Testament. This heartwarming story will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to call your best friend and say 'thank you.' The characters are as real as your next door neighbors. I highly recommend this book. Maybe give it to your best friend and read it at the same time. Sharon's debut novel leaves the reader eagerly anticipating her next one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating look at friendship, April 2, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Every Good and Perfect Gift: A Novel (Paperback)

Nearing forty, best friends Angel Gabby Whitaker Nevin and DeeDee McAllister-Kent feel they have lived great lives. Both married their college boyfriends and each couple decided on a DINK (Double income no kids) lifestyle.

However, DeeDee suddenly feels her biological clock running down as she desperately wants a baby. While DeeDee tries to become pregnant, Gabby wonders whether she should reconsider her decision to remain childless. DeeDee continues to fail to conceive, which begins to cause a strain between her and her spouse and between her and her best friend until DeeDee's medical diagnosis shakes up everyone

This is a fascinating look at friendship between two people who never had differences until they tried to get pregnant. Gabby is the one tested especially when they learn what is wrong with DeeDee as she will need patience like she never needed with her best friend before. Sharan K. Souza explains that she modernized and gender changed the biblical bond between David and Jonathan as Gabby wonders why bad things happen to good people, but accepts this is God's way and vows to the Lord she will be there for DeeDee.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story about friendship, full of joy and tears..., January 15, 2008

By 

Kathleen Popa - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Every Good and Perfect Gift: A Novel (Paperback)

Every Good and Perfect Gift is as delightful and funny and heart-breaking and tender as the richest friendship. Sharon K. Souza manages to treat difficult subjects with sparkling humor and gentle warmth, and leaves you smiling when you turn the last page. I absolutely recommend this book.